Schug Brut Rouge De Noirs Carneros 2018 750 ML

The cuvée of 100% Pinot Noir achieves its color and intense palate through a 3-day cold soak of juice and skins. Only the free-run juice is cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks, followed by a second fermentation in bottle, or méthode traditionelle - the same as in Champagne. The dosage is kept to a minimum to allow the vibrant characteristics of Pinot Noir to shine through. Pairs well with toned-down Asian flavors, smoked seafood, lighter pates, sweeter herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, medium-weight cheeses (including milder blues). Also nice with classic Manchego cheese and quince paste.\n \n Producer Information\n \n Schug Carneros Estate is a winery in the celebrated AVA of Carneros in California. The winery is particularly noted for world-class Pinot Noir but also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. The estate sits on the Sonoma side of Carneros, which also stretches into Napa Valley. It was founded by Walter Schug who, during his time as winemaker at Joseph Phelps Vineyards, was responsible for producing California's first notable Bordeaux blend, Insignia. He was also the first to have a wine scored 99 points by Robert Parker. The decision by Joseph Phelps Vineyards in 1980 to stop producing Pinot Noir drove Schug to start making it under his own label. By 1990, Schug had founded the Schug Carneros Estate and by 1992, he was producing his own estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.