Wine Peeps is an independent wine blog dedicated to helping you get the most bang for your buck in wine. We do this through blind tastings of wine from around the world and calculations of 
Domaine Carneros: Napa Valley Sparkling Wine by Taittinger
By Kori ~ October 19th, 2011.
Founded in 1987 by Champagne Taittinger of France in partnership with Kobrand Corporation, Domaine Carneros is located in the heart of Carneros in California’s Napa Valley. Claude Taittinger, the president of Champagne Taittinger, began searching for a site to open a winery in the United States in the late 1970’s. He selected a site in the Carneros AVA because he believed that it had the potential to produce world-class sparkling wines. Domaine Carneros sources 95% of their fruit from estate vineyards, and all of their wines are labeled with the Carneros appellation. Eileen Crane is the winery’s first and only winemaker.
Calling upon Taittinger’s knowledge of producing quality Champagne in France, Domaine Carneros has established itself as a world-class sparkling wine house in the United States. Domaine Carneros produces three styles of sparkling wine: Brut, Brut Rosé, and Blanc de Blancs. Recently, we had the opportunity to taste their Brut Rosé Cuvée de la Pompadour in a blind samples tasting. A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this Brut Rosé is excellent and a great representation of the quality sparkling wine that Domaine Carneros produces.
The Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé Cuvée de la Pompadour is named for Madame de Pompadour, the mistress of Louis XV, who is credited with introducing Champagne to the court at Versailles.
“Champagne is the only wine a woman can drink and remain beautiful.†–Madame de Pompadour, namesake of the Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé Cuvée de la Pompadour
So when you are selecting sparkling wines to enjoy during the rapidly approaching holidays, I encourage you to give Domaine Carneros, and particularly this Brut Rosé, a try. And if you are ever in the Napa Valley, consider a visit to their beautiful chateau.
NV Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé Cuvée de la Pompadour (Carneros, Napa Valley, California): 58% Pinot Noir and 42% Chardonnay. Pale pinkish salmon color. Small, fairly fast bead of bubbles. Very aromatic with strawberry, peach, and floral notes on the nose. Strawberry, raspberry, citrus notes, and a hint of spice come through on the palate. Dry and medium-bodied with crisp acidity. Well-balanced with a long finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $35; Available elsewhere, $28 to $50
Filed under: American Wine, California Wine, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Rose Wine, Sparkling Wine, Wines Over $25
