Travel & Adventure – Domaine Carneros By Taittenger
Domaine Carneros By Taittenger
We had a few beautiful days to spend in Napa during the month of January. Our inspiration you ask? Seventy degree weather in the middle of winter! Frequently I forget that Napa Valley is just over an hours drive from the San Francisco Peninsula (approx. 70-miles). So, my partner in crime and I packed a small overnight bag and headed to the wine country!
Our first stop along the way was at Domaine Carneros for a sparkling wine tour with Al, the Senior Wine Educator. There were many reasons why we had decided to begin our visit to the wine country with a tour of Domaine Carneros by Taittinger. One, they make several fantastic sparkling wines which we enjoy on a regular basis.
Another aspect that is in alignment with our Le Voov! values is the commitment Taittinger has dedicated to creating an environmentally friendly, organic estate vineyard that favors the craft of old-country wine making. We were thrilled to learn that Domaine Carneros has the largest photovoltaic solar collection system of any winery in the world.
They also access caves to maintain their cellar temperatures, eliminating the carbon footprint of refrigeration. Finally, we were drawn to the formal gardens and the glorious, expansive view of the Napa Valley from the outdoor terrace. What a Voovacious way to start our journey!
The sparkling wine selection provided for our tasting was the Ultra Brut, Vintage Brut Rose and the Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs. I must admit I’ve never had an appreciation for rose sparkling wine prior to tasting the Vintage Brut Rose. This wine represents the perfect blend of fruity Pinot Noir and bold, yet floral characteristics of the Chardonnay grape. The Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs was my personal favorite. I truly enjoyed the blend of both the bright, citrus flavor and the deep, yet delicate texture as it danced on the palate.
At the end of our sparkling wine tour, we had the great privilege of tasting the Domaine Carneros Estate Pinot Noir, as well as the Avant-Garde Pinot. Both were beautifully representative of the fruity berry tones characteristic of the Carneros region. What an absolutely fabulous way to finish off our tour of the winery.
Many thanks to Al and all the fine people making great wine at Domaine Carneros by Taittenger. Our tour was fantastic as well as informative.
Helpful Tips: Several of the best wines created at Domaine Carneros are not available in stores and only can be purchased directly through the winery. Their wine club offers members complimentary tours and tastings, and special prices, making it an excellent choice. Reservations are recommended. Call (707) 257-0101 ext. 150.
To read the full story of our visit to the Napa Valley wine country, please click here.
