Leo Steen 2023 "Bubbles of Steen" Sparkling Chenin

100% Chenin Blanc

Sonoma County, CA

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This passion project born in 2022 has been something we've wanted to do for several years. We are so happy to be able to pass this passionate Sparkling Chenin on to you. Made from 100% Chenin Blanc picked in August 2022 this crisp, fresh sparkling wine has all the complexity and nuances of our still chenin blanc wines with great acidity and delicate bubbles. This a great sipping wine and perfect to enjoy with oysters, shellfish, sushi as well as fatty cured meats and don't forget our favorite pairing truffle potato chips.

Release date: Spring 2024

Production: 917 cases

Label Artist: Antoinette Wysocki - see bio below

Vineyard: We found the perfect match in the Clarksburg AVA for our first Sparkling Chenin Blanc. This old vine Chenin Blanc was planted in 1979 on its own root in light well drained sandy sandy soils of the Sacramento River.

Harvest: The 2022 growing season produced an excellent vintage and no exception to the upper Delta region. The healthy canopies of these old vines helped with shade for the clusters to maintain its high natural acidity. We hand harvested on August 16th at 18.6 brix with great flavor development and high acidity.

Fermentation: Whole cluster pressed on a five hour press cycle for a gentle extraction. The juice was settled in tank for 24 hours before racking to a mix of 10 to 12 year old oak barrels for fermentation.

Cellar Notes: After Indigenous yeast fermentation to complete dryness followed by 10 weeks on the lees in neutral oak before we racked the young wine to tank for blending and shipping.

Tirage bottling: This part of the process was done at Rack & Riddle in Healdsburg, with their state of the art triage bottling line for this Traditional Method sparkling Chenin Blanc. After 14 months Sur latte wine was disgorged in December 2023 and corked without any dosage.

Tasting Notes: This wine opens up with inviting notes of grapefruit, lemon zest and almonds followed by subtle toasty bread notes. The mousse is creamy on the pallet with fine gentle bubbles, flavors are toasty and nutty with apple and chamomile flowers with a crisp and dry finish.