The most famous sparkling wine in the world is undoubtedly France’s Champagne. Produced from one or all of the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes, it is produced using the labor-intensive process called Méthode Champenoise, or Méthode Tradionnelle. In that process, the wine ferments a second time in the same bottle that is eventually sold to the consumer and typically takes 3-5 years to produce.
Thornton Winery produces our Extra Dry sparkling wine using that same difficult and lengthy Méthode Champenoise process. We are in fact, the first and original winery in Temecula to produce a sparkling wine in this manner, going back to 1988. Utilizing Chardonnay grapes exclusively for this version, it aged on its lees for seven years to produce a complex sparkling wine with fine bubbles and outstanding character. This wine is finished at an Extra Dry level (slightly sweeter than our Brut) and is a very versatile wine to pair with foods: it pairs beautifully with virtually any food or simply enjoying on its own.
Aroma: Sweet brioche, light mint and fresh herbs lead to green apple.
Palate: Apple pie filling, lemon-lime, complex fresh green herbs; round and rich on the palate from the long lees contact (6 years), finishing off-dry with balanced acidity.
Pairing: The complex character developed from extended lees contact makes this a great match for fish and chicken dishes with rich sauces or in puff pastry. The off-dry finish will pair with desserts that aren’t excessively sweet.
