2 0 0 3 “kathleen” brut
cuvée sparkling wine

"Chalk in the soil in the Champagne region of France gives Champagne its unique nature, its acidity, and its character. Vineyards are planted only in areas that have this snowy-white limestone. The excellent drainage of this porous white chalk, its rich nutritious top layers of soil, and the auspicious microclimates of the region make growing grapes for champagne ideal. In this region near Paris, wherever there is limestone topped with soil composed of mineral deposits and fossils of ancient marine life, there are vineyards. The value of the snowy-white chalk is so high that vines are planted to the rim of most villages in Champagne. Not a chalky hectare is wasted; vines are sometimes planted right up to the back door of a shop or restaurant. "From the book Champagne -- the Spirit of Celebration by Sara Slavin and Karl Petzke.

The authors could be describing Carmody McKnight's limestone and volcanic rich vineyards. If this is the terroir required to make the finest champagne in the world, and if we know that Carmody McKnight Estate Vineyards have the added advantage of superior microclimates, would one not be compelled to create a sparkling wine? Emphatically, yes! Besides -- champagne is Kathleen's favorite wine. Naturally, Kathleen's Brut Cuvée is the supreme version of the bubbly.

Chardonnay 48%, Pinot Noir 45%, Pinot Blanc 7%