Harvest
The 2015 Korbel Natural’ was made from Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay grapes grown in the Russian River Valley, in western Sonoma County.
Approximately 90% of the grapes used were grown on our own estate vineyards.
The 2015 growing season started off with a remarkably dry
spring, being at the worst of California’s 2012 to 2015 drought cycle. The dry spring caused soils to warm up
earlier than normal, which led to an early bud break. Fortunately, we ended up having a very light
frost year. We did finally get some rain
in the spring during bloom, which did not help with fruit set, but we needed
the water. Both the Pinot Noir and the
Chardonnay set average, to slightly below average crops.
The summer and very early fall ripening period was very
mild, at times even cool. Later in the
fall we had a few hot days and plenty of the fog that the Russian River Valley
is famous for. Fortunately, Pinot Noir
and Chardonnay thrives in cooler climates and we had no trouble getting these
grapes fully ripe. We did get a little rain
towards the end of harvest, but it had little impact on quality.
The cuvée wines from the 2015 harvest have an elegance to
them that really shows the best of the Russian River Valley. The combination of
a mild spring and very favorable ripening conditions in the fall has given us
beautifully balanced fruit.
Winemaker Notes
Traditionally, Korbel Natural’ is a blend of Russian
River Valley Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The exact blend of the varieties varies every year depending on what
flavors the particular vintage gives us.
In 2015 we ended up with a blend of 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay.
Winemaking
We do everything we possibly can to preserve the
integrity of the fruit used for Korbel Natural’ California Champagne. This
includes delicate whole cluster pressing, cool juice settling and cool
fermentation in stainless steel tanks. After fermentation we minimize
processing and unnecessary movement of the cuvée base wines. The classic Méthode
Champenoise process begins relatively early in springtime, helping to preserve
the fruit structure of the cuvée. Finally, the dosage level is kept to a
minimum, allowing the crisp fruit character of Korbel Natural’ California
Champagne to fully develop.
Food Pairing
Korbel
Natural’s crispness and balanced acidity make it a great California Champagne
to serve as an aperitif, with lighter fish dishes, raw oysters or poached
shrimp. Natural’ also pairs well with most salads, egg dishes and sushi.
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