"In my mind, you don't try to make Bordeaux in Burgundy, that would be silly … So why are we, in California, trying to make Champagne? The climate is very different, the soil is different, fundamentally we have a different terroir …" This is the mindset that winemaker Dan Person has when it comes to crafting sparkling wines. After reading this, we said, "That makes a lot of sense!"
Don't get us wrong, there is nothing wrong with California sparklers going for a Champagne-style (we have many we love and hold dearly). It is interesting to see Dan's mindset and how it transfers to his winemaking approach. Crafted by Dan and Jacqueline Person, Carboniste (founded not too long ago in 2017) strives to produce modern sparkling wines from distinct varietals and vineyards throughout the Golden State. Their primary goal is to make delicious wine and not to emulate Champagne. We agree that their wines are delicious!
Recently, their 2023 base vintage sparkling Chardonnay, which we affectionately call, "The Space Whale" (their label features a cosmic-looking whale) scored 98 Points from Jeb Dunnuck! Virginie Boone, who reviewed the wine, said, "It has an unctuous, impressive purity of fruit and focused acidity with juicy texture, showcasing California Chardonnay's ripeness and richness with superb balance and elegance."
The V23 Sparkling Chardonnay starts with native yeast fermentation and 30 months of lees aging in neutral barrels, giving it a mouthfilling, creamy texture without sacrificing the Chardonnay's natural acidity. Because the fermentation relied on the grape's own sugars, the yeast breakdown enhances the fruit rather than pushing toward brioche or pastry notes. Finished in the traditional method and hand disgorged to a crown cap, the result is a wine that is unctuous and vibrant, layered with creamy texture and bright, juicy fruit that sets it apart from classic Champagne.
JEB DUNNUCK 98 POINTS- "The 2023 Sparkling Chardonnay Whale is stunningly good, nearly all Chardonnay that spent 8-32 months in barrel. It's not quite a Blanc de Blanc or Brut Zero, with only 11 months en tirage, bringing in older vintages aged longer in barrel to add depth and complexity. It has an unctuous, impressive purity of fruit and focused acidity with juicy texture, showcasing California Chardonnay's ripeness and richness with superb balance and elegance. Drink now through 2040."
Don't get us wrong, there is nothing wrong with California sparklers going for a Champagne-style (we have many we love and hold dearly). It is interesting to see Dan's mindset and how it transfers to his winemaking approach. Crafted by Dan and Jacqueline Person, Carboniste (founded not too long ago in 2017) strives to produce modern sparkling wines from distinct varietals and vineyards throughout the Golden State. Their primary goal is to make delicious wine and not to emulate Champagne. We agree that their wines are delicious!
Recently, their 2023 base vintage sparkling Chardonnay, which we affectionately call, "The Space Whale" (their label features a cosmic-looking whale) scored 98 Points from Jeb Dunnuck! Virginie Boone, who reviewed the wine, said, "It has an unctuous, impressive purity of fruit and focused acidity with juicy texture, showcasing California Chardonnay's ripeness and richness with superb balance and elegance."
The V23 Sparkling Chardonnay starts with native yeast fermentation and 30 months of lees aging in neutral barrels, giving it a mouthfilling, creamy texture without sacrificing the Chardonnay's natural acidity. Because the fermentation relied on the grape's own sugars, the yeast breakdown enhances the fruit rather than pushing toward brioche or pastry notes. Finished in the traditional method and hand disgorged to a crown cap, the result is a wine that is unctuous and vibrant, layered with creamy texture and bright, juicy fruit that sets it apart from classic Champagne.
JEB DUNNUCK 98 POINTS- "The 2023 Sparkling Chardonnay Whale is stunningly good, nearly all Chardonnay that spent 8-32 months in barrel. It's not quite a Blanc de Blanc or Brut Zero, with only 11 months en tirage, bringing in older vintages aged longer in barrel to add depth and complexity. It has an unctuous, impressive purity of fruit and focused acidity with juicy texture, showcasing California Chardonnay's ripeness and richness with superb balance and elegance. Drink now through 2040."
