Carboniste "Sea Urchin" Sparkling Rosé 2022

Carboniste's Sea Urchin is a young fresh expression of Pinot Noir with notes of wild strawberry and guava. It pairs well with a wide range of fresh foods including uni (sea urchin).

The grapees are sourced from the cool-climate vineyards of Viste Verde Vineyards in San Benito, directly inland from Monterey and influenced by the coastal climate of the Pacific.

A blend of 75% Pinot noir and 25% Chardonnay, the grapes were pressed whole cluster and settled for 1-2 days as juice. Clear juice helps to retain the purity and focus of this wine. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were fermented separately in barrels with native yeast at 60-70°F. The fermentation sediment was kept with the wine until bottling without the addition of sulfur dioxide. The wine was bottled with fresh yeast and a small amount of sugar.

After three to four months in bottle, the yeast had consumed the sugar, the sediment was removed, and a small amount of wine and sugar was added back. After the light dosage, the bottles were capped again in order to preserve the natural youth and freshness of the wine.