Harvest
The 2013 Korbel Natural' was made
from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes grown in the Russian River
Valley, in western Sonoma County. Approximately 75% of the grapes
used were grown on our own estate vineyards.
The 2013 growing
season started off with a mild dry spring with very little
frost.
We did get a little rain and windy weather during
bloom, which reduced the crop slightly.
Our Pinot Noir vineyards were affected slightly more
than the Chardonnay, still we had a nice average yield of very high
quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
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 cuvee wines from the 2013
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 2013 we ended up with a
blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay.
In 2013 the cuvee wines
we used in the blend had very bright and vibrant flavors. Perhaps
the brightness of flavors was a result of a long mild growing
season and abundant fog in the fall. The final blend shows a nice touch of baked
apple, lemon zest, red cherry, and hint of lemon grass in the
finish.
Winemaking
We do everything we possibly can to
preserve the integrity of the fruit used for Korbel Natural'
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 cuvee base wines. The classic Methode Champenoise process
begins relatively early in springtime, helping to preserve the
fruit structure of the cuvee. Finally, the dosage level is kept to
a minimum, allowing the crisp fruit character of Korbel Natural'
Champagne to fully develop.
Food Pairing
Korbel Natural’s crispness and
balanced acidity make it a great 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.
Wine Profile
|
Harvested: |
August / September 2013 |
|
Sugar Level: |
19.8 Brix |
|
Appellation: |
Russian River Valley |
|
Fermentation: |
100% Stainless Steel |
|
Composition: |
70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
|
|
Acid / pH: |
7.3 grams per liter / 3.24 |
|
Alcohol: |
12.2% |
|
Dosage: |
0.75% |
|
Production: |
27,350 cases |
