Made from 100% Picpoul Blanc, Newest Libelle Vintage Now Available in Limited Quantities
Paso Robles, CA (November 6, 2023) – Halter Ranch is proud to release its highly anticipated 2020 Libelle sparkling wine. The one-of-a-kind sparkling wine has developed a dedicated fan base since the 2015 Libelle was first released in 2019. Halter Ranch Libelle is 100% Picpoul Blanc – one of the only of its kind – and just 216 cases of the 2020 Libelle were produced.
“We look forward to crafting and releasing Libelle, since it gets such a positive response,” said Kevin Sass, the Winemaker at Halter Ranch. “Creating this wine is a passion project of mine, and it’s a way to challenge expectations of what Paso Robles and Halter Ranch can produce. I hope our customers enjoy the 2020 Libelle for all of their celebrations.”
Translating loosely to “Lip Stinger” in French, the Picpoul Blanc is a white Rhône grape variety with the ability to retain acidity in warm climates like Paso Robles. Made in the Méthode Champenoise, Libelle is a testament to the art of winemaking taking over three years to produce. The grapes for this wine were harvested in 2020. From there began the first fermentation followed by a second fermentation, where yeast and sugar were added to create effervescence. The bottles were then aged on the lees for 24-30 months, and finally, the flavor was fine-tuned in late 2023 to create the finished product.
The 2020 Libelle is characterized by aromas of crushed pineapple, lime, citrus and a touch of cream that jump from the glass. The taste is bright and crisp, with flavors of lemon, guava, and pear that transition to a balanced, clean finish.
Libelle is a crown jewel in the Halter Ranch portfolio. Its limited releases are highly anticipated by Halter Ranch Wine Club members and beyond, and it often sells out in just a few months. Due to this demand, Halter Ranch is expanding their Picpoul Blanc vineyards by 25 acres.
The name Libelle comes from the German translation of “dragonfly,” referencing a painting created by proprietor Hansjörg Wyss’ father as a gift to his wife, Alice Halter. The bottle is adorned with an artistic label of a Swiss papercut of the Halter Ranch property, nodding to the Swiss origins of proprietor Hansjörg Wyss.
Known for their commitment to sustainable and organic practices – culminating with the estate earning organic certification in August 2023 – Halter Ranch continues to push the boundaries of what can be achieved in the Paso Robles wine region. The 2020 Libelle will delight wine enthusiasts and elevate any special occasion.
The 2020 Libelle is available for purchase now at Halter Ranch’s online wine shop for a price of $68 for Halter Ranch Wine Club members, and $85 for non-members.
About Halter Ranch
Set along the western-most boundaries of Paso Robles, California, and surrounded by the wild and wide-open Santa Lucia Mountain Range of the Central California Coast, Halter Ranch is a 2,700-acre nature estate dedicated to land, art, and legendary California terroir. Envisioned by Swiss entrepreneur, philanthropist, and world-leading land conservationist Hansjörg Wyss, the estate is an homage to his mother, Alice Halter, and a haven for the natural world to flourish and deliver exceptional timeless wines.
