Initially set on developing sophisticated sparkling wines, Caraccioli Cellars has since expanded to still wines, as well, with just as expressive and enticing of characteristics. Gary Caraccioli grew up working his family farm in the Salinas Valley, watching his Swiss-Italian grandfather lovingly craft his own homemade wine to share at family dinners. This imparted the belief in him that wine is part beverage, but also part experience and memory to be shared with loved ones. He convinced his brother and uncle to expand the family’s farming roots and move into grape growing and winemaking in 2006, with his sights set on crafting wines unique to the Santa Lucia Highlands’ terroir. Partnering with Michel Salgues, a Frenchman who’d spent the majority of his career at Champagne’s Louis Roederer Estate, the winery was born, with a devoted focus on low-intervention, high-quality winemaking and sustainable viticultural practices. Sadly, Michel Salgues passed away in 2017, yet his legacy lives on in the wildly impressive portfolios offered by the Caraccioli family – as well as the philosophies and practices carried on by Gary’s son, Scott, as well as winemakers Chris and Greg Vita. 

This 2021 Private Property Blanc de Blancs is hand-harvested into small totes to remove the potential of premature crushing and to prevent oxidation. The grapes are crushed in a proper Coquard press (rarely seen outside of Champagne) that delicately separates the juice from the whole clusters of fruit, all without overly crushing the skins and seeds. From there, fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks followed by aging in neutral French oak for about 5 months, and finally bottle-aging for another 29 months. A light resolutionary dosage of 4g/L promotes a vibrant and textural sipping experience, with a freshness that can’t be beat! This is a limited-quantity release (only 178 cases total), making this a rare domestic treat to come across – especially for 35% off!

Bright notes and complex textures arrive in spades with this shimmering beauty, offering up notes of lemon curd, Chinese white pear, yellow peach, croissant dough, white flowers, and some chalky and clay sensations that generate a crisp, mineral finish and exquisite layer of acidity. The 100% chardonnay pours pale yellow in the glass, with a lovely and creamy mousse that softens some of the brighter flavor expressions. This is a pure, clean style of sparkling wine that proves itself in a world that makes it quite challenging to stand separate from quality Champagne! Alas, this sparkler has truly captured our attention (and our finest stemware) for good! Order at least a few to go with your next celebration or favorite home-cooked meal!