Caraccioli Cellars Brut Rose 2017
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
A blend of Chardonnay (60%) and Pinot Noir (40%) comprises this wine with 1-2% still red wine added prior to tirage. This ensures a red fruit exuberance highlighting the complexity of Pinot Noir throughout the palate.
In 2006 Gary enticed his Uncle Jim and brother Phil, to expand their agricultural roots into the wine businesswith the idea that they would make an exclusive and original wine that was not being produced anywhere else in the area. His goal was to develop a sophisticated and complex sparkling wine specific to the Santa Lucia Highlands.
When Gary met Michel Salgues and Joe Rawitzer, the plan was set into motion. Salgues, who was born and raised in France, and Rawitzer a Monterey County native of Swiss Italian decent, view wine very similarly to Gary. Their belief: to enhance the consumer's experiance through the best grapes and most stringent procedures.
?Today the Caraccioli’s continue to produce Brut and Brut Rose sparkling wine varietals as well as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The fourth generation of the Caraccioli family has joined the founders in their venture. In fact Gary’s son, Scott, is head of marketing and oversees day-to-day operations. In between running a thriving winery, guests can likely see the Caraccioli family members pop in and out of the tasting room or along the streets of the city. Scott is often found heading to a meeting in Carmel or Monterey where he sits in executive positions on boards for several organizations including the Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association, the Carmel Chamber of Commerce and the Carmel Wine Walk.
Caraccioli wines have been described as “Old World” with deep roots, which is no surprise coming from this old world family
What are the different types of sparkling rosé wine?
Rosé sparkling wines like Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and others make a fun and festive alternative to regular bubbles—but don’t snub these as not as important as their clear counterparts. Rosé Champagnes (i.e., those coming from the Champagne region of France) are made in the same basic way as regular Champagne, from the same grapes and the same region. Most other regions where sparkling wine is produced, and where red grape varieties also grow, also make a rosé version.
How is sparkling rosé wine made?
There are two main methods to make rosé sparkling wine. Typically, either white wine is blended with red wine to make a rosé base wine, or only red grapes are used but spend a short period of time on their skins (maceration) to make rosé colored juice before pressing and fermentation. In either case the base wine goes through a second fermentation (the one that makes the bubbles) through any of the various sparkling wine making methods.
What gives rosé Champagne and sparkling wine their color and bubbles?
The bubbles in sparkling wine are formed when the base wine undergoes a secondary fermentation, which traps carbon dioxide inside the bottle or fermentation vessel. During this stage, the yeast cells can absorb some of the wine’s color but for the most part, the pink hue remains.
How do you serve rosé sparkling wine?
Treat rosé sparkling wine as you would treat any Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, and other sparkling wine of comparable quality. For storing in any long-term sense, these should be kept at cellar temperature, about 55F. For serving, cool to about 40F to 50F. As for drinking, the best glasses have a stem and a flute or tulip shape to allow the bead (bubbles) and beautiful rosé hue to show.
How long do rosé Champagne and sparkling wine last?
Most rosé versions of Prosecco, Champagne, Cava or others around the “$20 and under” price point are intended for early consumption. Those made using the traditional method with extended cellar time before release (e.g., Champagne or Crémant) can typically improve with age. If you are unsure, definitely consult a wine professional for guidance.
Perhaps the most highly regarded appellation within Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA benefits from a combination of warm morning sunshine and brisk afternoon breezes, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and fully. The result is concentrated, flavorful wines that retain their natural acidity. Wineries here do not shy away from innovation, and place a high priority on sustainable viticultural practices.
The climatic conditions here are perfectly suited to the production of ripe, rich Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These Burgundian varieties dominate an overwhelming percentage of plantings, though growers have also found success with Syrah, Riesling and Pinot Gris.