New Russian River Valley Estate Launches Addition to Notable Wine Portfolio
WINDSOR, Calif. (December 3, 2019) – Bricoleur Vineyards, a new winery and hospitality retreat in the heart of the Russian River Valley, is thrilled to announce its inaugural release of its flagship label, “Flying By the Seat of Our Pants” Brut. This North Coast Brut marks the first sparkling wine from the new boutique, family-run winery based in Windsor, Sonoma County.
A classic blend of 60 percent Chardonnay, 35 percent Pinot Noir, and 5 percent Pinot Meunier, the wine is crafted to evoke Méthode Champenoise style, refreshing palate structure, while also highlighting the generous fruit flavors characteristic of California’s North Coast. The cooling marine influence results in grapes with deep complexity, acidity and longer ripening time, with notes of citrus blossom, light berry and hints of guava.
“We are proud to present this exciting wine to those who are new to Bricoleur and those who have been with us since day one,” said proprietor, Mark Hanson. “Everyone loves bubbles, and we wanted to release a sparkling wine the day we purchased the property. It’s a fittingly celebratory moment for us, and we can’t wait for people to enjoy it at home or while strolling around our scenic property.”
“Flying By the Seat of Our Pants” Brut grapes are harvested by hand at night before placed into stainless steel for initial fermentation and later spending 12 months en tirage, which fosters the wine’s complex brioche notes and sophisticated bubble. Reserve Chardonnay acts as the dosage, and the final ABV clocks in at 12.6 percent. The inaugural release is 247 cases with more expected to be produced in the years to come. “Flying By the Seat of Our Pants” Brut is now available for purchase at bricoleurvineyards.com/wines with an SRP of $45/bottle.
Bricoleur Vineyards was founded by San Francisco Bay Area natives, Mark and Elizabeth Hanson, and daughter, Sarah Hanson Citron. Under the direction of consulting winemaker, Cary Gott, and assistant winemaker, Tom Pierson, the winery is fast becoming known for producing limited-production wines primarily from estate-grown, sustainably-farmed grapes. The family chose the “Flying By the Seat of Our Pants” moniker for its first sparkling wine as an homage to the very premise of Bricoleur – a French word that Mark translates as “one who starts building something with no clear plan, adding bits here and there, cobbling together a whole, while flying by the seat of their pants.”
One arena in which the family is decidedly not flying by the seat of its pants is its new winery and hospitality retreat, slated to open in early 2020. The 40-acre Windsor estate features a hospitality barn, pavilion, rose garden and bocce ball courts, several patios, two ponds, an estate villa and a refurbished historic milk barn, all nestled in the countryside of the beautiful Russian River Valley. The sprawling property was thoughtfully designed to become the ideal location for intimate gatherings with family and friends, business retreats, or as a home base for Wine Country touring, with curated tasting experiences, a fully-equipped gourmet kitchen, yoga classes overlooking the vineyards, artisanal craftmanship courses and luxurious accommodations. Further programming will be announced in early 2020.
Located at 7394 Starr Road in Windsor, Bricoleur Vineyards can be reached by calling (707) 857-5700, emailing info@bricoleurvineyards.com or visiting www.bricoleurvineyards.com.
About Bricoleur Vineyards
Bricoleur Vineyards is a boutique, family-run winery based in Windsor, Sonoma County that produces limited-production wines primarily from estate-grown, sustainably-farmed grapes. The breathtaking Russian River Valley estate also serves as a venue for exciting experiences and activities throughout the year where social connections are fostered and communities are built. Founders Mark and Elizabeth Hanson and Sarah Hanson Citron are strongly committed to giving back to their community, and they plan to incorporate Bricoleur Vineyards in their efforts to support non-profits and charities throughout Sonoma County. The word Bricoleur (bree-ko-LER) is French and refers to “one who starts building something with no clear plan, adding bits here and there, cobbling together a whole while flying by the seat of their pants.”
