# Gomes Vineyard Albari
o Extra Brut Sparkling (2024)

- **Producer:** Carboniste
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Albari
o
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €31
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 3–6 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apricot, gooseberry, lime, lemon, blossom, biscuit

## About this wine

Carboniste was founded in 2017 by husband-and-wife winemaking team Dan Person and Jacqueline Person. Drawing on experience from renowned estates like Schramsberg and Larkmead, the duo sought to reimagine California sparkling wine. Rather than imitating Champagne's traditional autolytic style, Carboniste focuses on capturing vibrant California fruit purity. The Gomes Vineyard is located on Andrus Island in the Sacramento River Delta, a unique maritime-influenced site originally planted by Lodi grower Markus Bokisch and farmed by the Gomes family.

## Interesting facts

- Albari
o makes up under 2% of California vineyard acreage, making sparkling expressions exceptionally rare.
- Carboniste seals bottles with crown caps to maintain fresh fruit purity and protect against cork taint.
- A brief tirage period of 2-3 months is intentionally used to avoid heavy brioche notes.

## Food pairing

High natural acidity and lively effervescence cut through rich seafood fats and elevate salty or fried dishes, while vibrant citrus undertones complement raw bar items effortlessly.

## Wine making process

Harvested early in August to preserve natural brightness, whole clusters are gently pressed and cold settled for two days. Primary fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks using wild yeasts, and malolactic conversion is blocked. Secondary fermentation takes place in bottle using the traditional method, followed by a brief tirage period of 2 to 3 months. The wine is riddled, hand-disgorged with a light dosage, and sealed under crown caps.