PHILOSOPHY
For wine lovers with a sense of discovery, Chandon presents its annual fall release of Sparkling Red. This Chandon Winery Exclusive is all about fun and adventure. Take the grace and complexity of Pinot Noir, blend in the zesty characteristics of California Zinfandel, and marry this unusual blend with the fun and vitality of a sparkling wine. Rarely seen in the U.S., sparkling red wines have a long tradition in the Loire Valley, Germany,and Australia. With this creative blend, Chandon builds on tradition with an innovative California twist.

TASTING NOTES
Unlike most sparkling wines, this cuvée begins with Pinot Noir and Zinfandel still wines that have been fermented on the skins, providing the flavor and body of a still wine. It then undergoes second fermentation in the bottle, so possesses the refreshing characters of a sparkling wine. Chandon Sparkling Red excites the palate with rich and concentrated flavors of black cherry, sweet cranberry with hints of juniper berry and nutmeg. The structure of this wine helps it to pair great with more foods than traditional sparklers; bolder meats for instance.

FOOD AND WINE PAIRING
This opulent sparkling wine lends itself to richly flavored foods. Winemaker Tom Tiburzi loves this wine during the holidays with roast turkey and cranberry sauce or honey glazed smoked ham. It would also be a natural fit with mu shu pork.

Appellation: California

Composition:
60% Pinot Noir
40% Zinfandel

Aging Profile: Minimum of 12 months on the yeast