a vintage sparkling wine for all of life’s memorable moments
Sonoma, CA (July 11, 2017) — Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards—Sonoma Carneros’ original sparkling wine house—announces the release of Anniversary Cuvée, a vintage sparkling wine to toast life’s memorable moments from the simplest to the most spectacular. Made from Sonoma County Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, the Gloria Ferrer Anniversary Cuvée is assembled from 14 separately fermented lots of wine from the 2010 vintage. Fermented for 6 months before blending, the wine was then allowed to mature in bottle for five and a half years before disgorgement. 2010 Gloria Ferrer Anniversary Cuvée will be released nationally this month at a suggested retail price of $40.
“Although we believe that sparkling wine does not need a special occasion, special occasions demand a special sparkling wine,” according to Eva Bertran, Freixenet USA’s Vice President of Marketing. “Anniversary Cuvée is specifically made to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday and the hopes of tomorrow. And consistent 90+ scores from national wine publications for Gloria Ferrer’s sparkling wines have created the perfect moment to celebrate this new wine nationally.”
2010 was one of the coolest vintages on record in Sonoma. The low temperatures resulted in a light crop, slow ripening and a later than usual harvest. The lower yield and extended hang time gave the grapes extraordinary concentration and character. Grapes for the 2010 Gloria Ferrer Anniversary Cuvée were hand harvested in small bins and pressed very gently in whole clusters. Only the first press juice, with its delicate flavors and aromas was used for this wine. Fermentation was in stainless steel at temperatures from 55º-60º F. The final blend is 67% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay.
2010 Gloria Ferrer Anniversary Cuvée has a moderate alcohol content of 12.5 percent, making it an excellent choice to drink throughout a meal. Steven Urberg, Gloria Ferrer’s winemaker, describes the wine as displaying aromas of Asian pear and ripe apples, with hints of honey and vanilla. On the palate, the mousse is rich and creamy. The fruit of the nose is enhanced with flavors of crème brûlée, stone fruit and black cherry, with a long finish that suggests fresh ginger. “This is an elegant wine that will be a fine partner with wine similarly festive dishes,” says Urberg. He suggests oysters on the half-shell, classic steamed lobster with drawn butter, lemon meringue pie or a fruit galette with crème fraiche. “It is a perfect wine for a great occasion and great company,” he says.
