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.
