The OCTOPUS Sparkling Albariño: Sipping on Sunshine
Are you ready to add a bright sparkle to your life? Our OCTOPUS is the Sparkling Albariño that started it all at CARBONISTE. With its playful brilliance, Albariño is the wine that set us on a mission to reimagine sparkling wine in California. It is a wine that will captivate your senses and elevate your festivities with vibrant bubbles of sunshine. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or a casual sipper looking for something new, our OCTOPUS Sparkling Albariño offers a delightful experience that's worth exploring.
Why Albariño?
Albariño is a white wine grape variety, from the picturesque coastal regions of Galicia in northwestern Spain and Portugal's Vinho Verde region. It is known for its crisp acidity and aromatic profile. More well known as a still wine, Albariño, or “Alvarinho”, has long been cherished for its ability to thrive in misty, coastal climates and produce fresh, vibrant wines with a distinct minerality.
Jacqueline had spent several years working with Albariño from various vineyards across California. When it was time to add the bubbles to the bottle for the first CARBONISTE wine, she knew exactly where to find the best California Albariño.
Our Sparkling Albariño is sourced from the Gomes Vineyard in the Sacramento Delta with a rootstock from Rias Baixas, a region along the border of Portugal and Spain and the birthplace of Albariño. This site has deep, rich soil, well-fed from the Sacramento River. It is dry-farmed without cultivation and is transitioning to organic farming certification. The Gomes family is one of the oldest farming families in the California Delta and, after immigrating from Portugal, have been farming on Andrus Island since the 1800s. Their dedication to the land has brought rich traditions to the Albariño vines. At CARBONISTE we foster a great respect for these traditions and apply them to a modern winemaking style to create sparkling wines that are fresh, clean, and full of life.
How It's Made
At CARBONISTE we produce a Sparkling Albariño following traditional methods, (the same method used for Champagne) and highlight the beautiful vineyards of its origin. Here’s a brief overview of our the OCTOPUS was created:
Creating the Base Wine: After harvest, grapes were pressed as whole clusters and settled for 2 days as juice. Clear juice helps to retain the purity and focus of this wine. The juice was fermented in a tank with native yeast at 60-65°F for 3 weeks. The fermentation sediment was kept with the wine until bottling without the addition of sulfur dioxide or the presence of malolactic fermentation.
Secondary Fermentation: The wine then undergoes a secondary fermentation in individual bottles with fresh yeast and a small amount of sugar. This process introduces the fine bubbles that make sparkling wines so enchanting. After 2-6 months in the bottle, the yeast had consumed the sugar, the sediment was removed, and we added back a small amount of wine and sugar.
Aging: The wine is aged on its lees (yeast cells) to develop additional complexity and texture. After 2-6 months in the bottle, the yeast had consumed the sugar, the sediment was removed, and we added back a small amount of wine and sugar.
Dosage and Final Bottling: Finally, the wine is disgorged and dosed with a small amount of sugar (dosage) to balance the acidity. Then bottled and sealed with crown caps, to preserve the natural youth and freshness of the wine.
What Makes Sparkling Albariño Special?
The OCTOPUS Sparkling Albariño combines the best qualities of this beloved grape with elegant bubbles that make sparkling wines so irresistible. Here’s what sets the OCTOPUS Sparkling Albariño apart:
Aromatic Brilliance: Albariño is celebrated for its aromatic intensity. Expect notes of gooseberry, kumquat, and stonefruit blossom. The bubbles enhance these aromas, making each sip exciting and fresh.
Refreshing Acidity: The natural acidity of Albariño is one of its standout features. In its sparkling form, this acidity translates to a crisp, refreshing finish that is perfect for warm weather and pairing with a variety of foods.
Vibrant Elegance: The cool delta breezes, characteristic of the terroir of the Gomes Albariño vineyards, impart a unique brilliance to the wine that shines, offering a touch of sophistication with every bubble.
Versatile Pairing: Sparkling Albariño's vibrant acidity and effervescence make it incredibly versatile for food pairings. From fresh seafood and sushi to light salads and creamy cheeses, it complements a wide array of dishes. It is a fantastic aperitif wine and is guaranteed to pair so many favorite recipes including grilled octopus!
A Very Fun Label: You can’t always judge a book by its cover, but in wine a fun label is all the rage. The OCTOPUS Sparkling Albariño was CARBONISTE’s first Critter wine because it is playful, fun, and bubbly!
Tasting Notes
The OCTOPUS Sparkling Albariño typically exhibits:
Appearance: Pale straw yellow with a fine, persistent mousse.
Nose: elegant aromas of citrus and floral notes
Palate: Lively and effervescent, with bright acidity, and flavors that mirror the nose. The finish is clean, crisp, and refreshing, leaving you eager for the next sip.
Perfect Occasions for Sparkling Albariño
Sparkling Albariño is a versatile wine that suits a variety of occasions:
Summer Picnics: Its light, refreshing nature makes it ideal for outdoor gatherings.
Celebrations: Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, or just a Friday night, Sparkling Albariño adds a festive touch.
Aperitif: Start your meal with a glass of Sparkling Albariño to whet your appetite.
Pairing with Seafood: Its crisp acidity and minerality make it a perfect match for oysters, shrimp, and of course — octopus!
Let’s POP Open a Bottle
The OCTOPUS Sparkling Albariño is a delightful discovery for any wine lover. Its combination of aromatic brilliance, refreshing acidity, and elegant freshness stands out at any occasion. So, the next time you're looking to add a bit of sparkle to your life, reach for a bottle of OCTOPUS Sparkling Albariño and let its bubbly charm brighten your day.
Enjoy our current 2023 vintage of the OCTOPUS Sparkling Albariño!
📷Share the Sparkle! We’d love to see your sparkling wine adventures in action! Share your bubbly times on social media and tag us @carbonistewine. Let’s celebrate together, one delicious sip at a time!