Delaplaine, Brut, 2007

Delaplaine Brut, 2007 has an interesting history. According to their website www.champagnedelaplaine.com, Andrew Delaplaine noticed his sister Renee only drank Champagne. The family traces it roots back to the 1200’s and Renee remarked they should create their own Champagne. Andrew with some wine knowledge was charged with hatching the idea to reality. While Champagne is in the works, they are producing a sparkling wine from the Carneros region in California. The Carneros Appellation spans the southern boundaries of Sonoma and Napa Valleys. Grapes source from both regions are used in this cuvee.
60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay make up the blend, with 66% of the grapes coming from Sonoma and 34% from Napa. Made using the traditional Methode Champenoise and then aged 3 years in the bottle. This sparkler is pleasant enough, pale straw in color with lots of lemon peel and minerals on the nose. It has flavors of Granny Smith apples and tart lemon on the palate with minerals and a light nuttiness leading to a medium finish.
The Delaplaine does lack the richness and lusciousness that French Champagne has. It doesn’t mention any of the grape juice being aged on the lees, which would capture the flavors of true Champagne. But, give it a try and you be the judge for yourself.