Gloria Ferrer 1996 Carneros Cuvée

The Ferrer family is a force to be reckoned with in the Spanish wine business, dating back to 1914, with the Freixenet brand. Although they imported their sparkling wines to this side of the Atlantic, José Ferrer began searching for a vineyard in California to bring his family’s legacy to the United States. Named after his wife, Gloria Ferrer winery opened in 1986 in the Carneros hills of Sonoma County, complete with Spanish-style architecture and vistas reminiscent of the family’s home in Catalonia, Spain. Our weekly offering represents the fine sparkling wine that Gloria Ferrer set out to produce in the New World, and according to our noses and palates, we think they have succeeded. Uncorking the eye-catching bottle unleashes an array of flavors. Things Asian come to mind like ginger; and from New Zealand, kiwi. A strong backbone and robust character is delivered by a dominance of Pinot Noir. It has the right age, but it will remain fresh and explosive for some time to come. You can drink it by itself, of course, but you’ll be surprised to experience how well it behaves at the table. Sushi would work perfectly with this Cuvée, but chicken and veal would be a pleasant pairing as well.

Rating: 15.5/20
Price: $50

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For more information, visit www.gloriaferrer.com