Thursday, April 21, 2011

Korbel Champagne is Now Even More Delicious Thanks to Organic Grapes

Words by Courtney Kellar

Words by Carolyn, the Anti-Bride
Photo courtesy of Korbel Champagne

GreenGlamGo and Antibride.com are celebrating Earth Day with the launch of our Nokia Ovi Store App and FB Mall at Monroe SF in North Beach. What better way to ring in Spring than with a glass of bubbly made from organic grapes? We’ve been a longtime fan of Korbel California Champagne - it is delicious, affordable, local and luxe. They’ve gone all sustainable on us and we couldn’t be happier! Thank you Korbel California Champagne for sponsoring our launch! Special beginnings and the celebration of life’s milestones, be it a wedding, the birth of a baby (or a business!) calls for bubbly and what better way to celebrate than with Korbel? Happy Earth Day and chin chin!

Korbel California Champagne 2009 Brut – Made with Organically Grown Grapes

Vineyards

This special bottling of Korbel Brut is made from 100% organically grown grapes from some of the premier vineyards in California. These vineyards are farmed sustainably and without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. All farming practices are in compliance with the USDA’s organic certification program and are monitored by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF).

The 2009 growing season gave us a modest yield of very high quality grapes. The vines were still partially recovering from the frosts of 2008, which lead to a slightly lighter crop. Sometimes vines will respond to a lighter crop by putting a little extra character into the remaining grapes. This was clearly the case in 2009, with this cuvee showing off bright citrus fruit and generous crisp green apple flavors.

Winemaking

To make Korbel Brut, made with Organically Grown Grapes, not only do we use organically grown grapes, we also certify the entire winery as an organic processor. Korbel’s traditional Méthode Champenoise process is well suited to the production of champagne made with organic grapes. We work with the CCOF to make sure that our winemaking practices are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Winemaker Notes

Korbel Brut, made with Organically Grown Grapes, is created in the classic Korbel style - crisp, delicate and bright. We always strive to present the pure flavors of the grape in each of our champagnes. The organically grown grapes in this cuvee deliver well-integrated aromas and flavors of apple, pear and white peaches. The finish is medium-dry, with a slight savory note at the end.

Wine Profile

Harvest Date: August and September

Harvest Sugar Level: 19.7 Brix

Tirage Bottled: February 2010

Disgorged: As required

Appellation: California

Fermentation: 100% SS

Composition: French Colombard, Chardonnay, Sangiovese

Acid/pH: 7.6 g/l 3.14

Alcohol: 12%

Dosage: 1%

Production: 10,300 cases