José Ferrer, a passionate champion of his family's aspiration to create exceptional traditional method sparkling wine in the New World, embarked on a transformative journey in the 1980s. Leaving behind the picturesque vineyards of Barcelona, Spain, he, along with his wife Gloria, ventured across the ocean to Sonoma, California, in pursuit of the ultimate region for crafting sparkling wine. Their quest led them to the enchanting Carneros region.

Image Source: Gloria Ferrer Facebook

A New Beginning: The First Sparkling Winery in Carneros

For the Gloria Ferrer family, whose roots in Spanish sparkling wine production span generations, the potential of Carneros was evident, even before it officially became an established American Viticultural Area (AVA). They discerned that this region possessed the ideal climate for cultivating Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, the cornerstone varieties for crafting brilliant sparkling wines.

Carneros gifted them with warm days, cool nights, predictable winds, summer fog, and an extended growing season. These climatic attributes, combined with the region's terroir, facilitated a gradual and consistent ripening of grapes, striking the perfect balance between sugar content and acidity. It was the ideal canvas upon which to paint their sparkling wine masterpiece. Eager to begin, they set about planting their estate vineyards, dedicating three-quarters of the land to Pinot Noir vines and the remaining quarter to Chardonnay vines.

 

True to Their Roots: Committed to Sustainability

Inspired by a centuries-old ethos that cherishes the delicate equilibrium between the earth and wine, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards has made a steadfast commitment to sustainable winemaking practices. In 2016, they proudly attained certification for implementing the Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Practices.

 

Their dedication to sustainability is evident in various facets of their operations:

Biodiversity: Nurturing diverse ecosystems within and around their vineyards.

Soil Health: Ensuring the soil remains fertile and resilient.

Water Management: Implementing efficient water usage practices.

Integrated Pest Management: Employing eco-friendly methods to protect the vines.

Energy Conservation: Minimizing their carbon footprint.

Green Business: Striving for eco-consciousness in all aspects of their enterprise.

In the Vineyards: A Symphony of Terroir

Spanning across two ranches in Carneros—Home and Circle Bar—their estate vineyards showcase the remarkable diversity of the region. The 207-acre Home Ranch boasts five distinct soil types and elevations ranging from 50 to 325 feet, while the 128-acre Circle Bar Ranch comprises thirteen different blocks with eight distinct soil types and elevations ranging from 50 to 280 feet.

Their skilled winegrowing team meticulously matches the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines with these diverse estate vineyard sites. This harmonious synergy between varietal and terroir leads to infinite possibilities in the character of their finished wines. Pinot Noir finds its home in the rocky, volcanic soils on the estate's highest ridges, while Chardonnay thrives in the clay-rich soils of the lower sections.

Image Source: Gloria Ferrer Facebook

The Harvest: Season of Abundance

When the winemaking team determines that the grapes have reached optimal ripeness, signaling their readiness for harvest, the utmost care is taken. Night harvesting ensures grape quality while conserving energy. Grapes are delicately hand-picked in whole clusters and placed in small bins to prevent bruising and oxidation. The juice, extracted using membrane presses to preserve its integrity, is then transferred into stainless steel tanks, where it settles for 12 to 24 hours.

In this meticulous process, every step is a testament to the dedication and respect for the land, the fruit, and the timeless craft of winemaking that defines Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards.

 

Gloria Ferrer’s Carneros Cuvée secured the best score at the 2023 USA Wine Ratings making it Best in Show by Varietal , Best In Show By Country, Best Wine Of The Year and Gold with a score of 94 points.

Toasty and complex on the nose. Classic style with well balanced, structured, and long finish on palate. Dried fruit and walnuts provide a nutty and complex texture on the palate.