Monterey County

Medium

Cork

White

The 2018 Brut Cuvée is a remarkable expression of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Escolle Vineyard in the northern Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. This single-vineyard sparkling wine benefits from diverse soils—sandy loam beachhead for Chardonnay and gravelly granite for red varieties. , this vintage marks Scott Caraccioli's first solo effort following the passing of founding winemaker Michel Salgues, who had a distinguished 19-year tenure at Roederer Estate. The Caraccioli family, fifth-generation Swiss Italians, has carved out a niche for world-class sparkling wine in California. Structurally, the wine's bright acidity and vibrant energy could rival Champagne, yet its ripeness and warmth firmly anchor it in California's unique terroir, lending richness and approachability. With a dosage of 10.8 g/L, this bottling balances precision with generosity. Aromatic layers of pastry, sea spray minerality, lemon meringue, lime zest, and grapefruit pith are exquisitely woven together. Disgorged in January 2024 after 58 months of sur lie ageing, it showcases a seamless integration of its components. Grapes are hand-harvested into small totes and gently pressed in four-ton batches using a Coquard PAI Gravity Press. The winemaking incorporates light whole-cluster pressing, partial fermentation in stainless steel and barrel, and meticulous riddling before disgorgement. Since 2015, all Caraccioli Brut wines have come exclusively from their Escolle Vineyard, and this vintage continues to set a high standard. Elegantly crafted, with richness, vibrancy, and a long finish, the 2018 Brut Cuvée is simply spectacular.

Chardonnay

Pinot Noir / Pinot Nero

Caraccioli Cellars, Escolle Vineyard Brut Cuvée, Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands, California, USA, 2018

2017brutcuvee.jpg

The 2018 Brut Cuvée is a remarkable expression of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Escolle Vineyard in the northern Santa Luci

Lightly Oaked

Caraccioli Cellars, Escolle Vineyard Brut Cuvée, Monterey County, California, USA 2018

Caraccioli Cellars, Escolle Vineyard Brut Cuvée, Monterey County, California, USA 2018

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