"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!
Their Sparkling Albarino, which comes from a dry-farmed and organic vineyard was also scored highly by Jeb Dunnuck, receiving 95 Points… "Always incredibly good, the light-bodied bubbles taste fresh and crunchy in apple and apricot."
The 2024 Sparkling Albarino is fermented in stainless steel with native yeast, then bottled with fresh yeast and a small amount of sugar to trigger a second fermentation in the traditional method. Rather than pursuing extended aging, the wine is riddled and hand disgorged on the younger side to preserve the natural freshness the variety is known for, with a light dosage and crown cap sealing everything in. The result is everything we were hoping for in a sparkling Albarino… crisp, dry, salty, and extremely refreshing, with green apple, lemon zest, kumquat, apricot, a little floral spice, bright acidity, and that coastal snap Albarino does so well. It goes down oh-so effortlessly, yet still shows enough texture and character to hold your attention, making it the kind of wine you open before dinner, with oysters, grilled shrimp, ceviche, grilled octopus, or honestly just because it is hot outside and you want something cold and fun.
JEB DUNNUCK 95 POINTS- "The wine that started it all and continues to represent half of the producer's production, the 2024 Sparkling Albarino Octopus is tank-fermented on native yeast to ensure the Albarino shines through varietally, with a short tirage of six months after six months in tank. Always incredibly good, the light-bodied bubbles taste fresh and crunchy in apple and apricot. Drink now through 2034."
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!
Their Sparkling Albarino, which comes from a dry-farmed and organic vineyard was also scored highly by Jeb Dunnuck, receiving 95 Points… "Always incredibly good, the light-bodied bubbles taste fresh and crunchy in apple and apricot."
The 2024 Sparkling Albarino is fermented in stainless steel with native yeast, then bottled with fresh yeast and a small amount of sugar to trigger a second fermentation in the traditional method. Rather than pursuing extended aging, the wine is riddled and hand disgorged on the younger side to preserve the natural freshness the variety is known for, with a light dosage and crown cap sealing everything in. The result is everything we were hoping for in a sparkling Albarino… crisp, dry, salty, and extremely refreshing, with green apple, lemon zest, kumquat, apricot, a little floral spice, bright acidity, and that coastal snap Albarino does so well. It goes down oh-so effortlessly, yet still shows enough texture and character to hold your attention, making it the kind of wine you open before dinner, with oysters, grilled shrimp, ceviche, grilled octopus, or honestly just because it is hot outside and you want something cold and fun.
JEB DUNNUCK 95 POINTS- "The wine that started it all and continues to represent half of the producer's production, the 2024 Sparkling Albarino Octopus is tank-fermented on native yeast to ensure the Albarino shines through varietally, with a short tirage of six months after six months in tank. Always incredibly good, the light-bodied bubbles taste fresh and crunchy in apple and apricot. Drink now through 2034."
