Time to chat sparkling wine for Fizz Friday! This week’s edition finds us in the Napa & Sonoma region with a pick from one of my favorite sparkling wineries: Gloria Ferrer.

While the winery  has some still wines as well, Gloria Ferrer is well known for its wide range of sparkling options {around 8 styles in total}. So far I’ve had the repeat pleasure of sipping the Va de Vi and the Blanc de Noir on several occasions, so when I recently came across the Sonoma Brut I decided to give it a try.

It seems I might be intent on working my way through their portfolio, no?

Check out my Fizz Friday tasting notes to get my impressions on this latest sparkling wine tasting adventure with the winery–and find out if I think it’s worth adding to your bubbly stash!

NOSE:

The first thing that hit my nose was the aroma of green fruits {pear and apple} and the delicate fragrance of flower blossoms–really lovely. I also picked up notes of tasted sweet almond too. I discovered that the blend was comprised of 91% Pinot Noir and 9% Chardonnay, so I was excited to see what it would taste like.

PALATE:

Made in the Champenoise style, this is a rich and creamy sparkler that enchanted me right away. There was some good citrus notes right from the start, and the green fruit flavors from the aroma came through on the palate with the fun addition of honeydew melon brought into the mix. It had good, bright acidity and “toasty” notes, too. Oh, and did I mention that there was just a touch of vanilla at the end of the sip? Really lovely.

VERDICT:

So what’s my verdict? In a nut shell, it was delish! And the fact that it rings it at around $20 a bottle makes it a #BubbleistaApproved “must add” to your stash no-brainer.

The Sonoma Brut would pair beautifully with shellfish and sushi. I’m thinking a heaping plate of lemony, buttery, garlicky shrimp scampi and pasta would be a culinary match made in heaven.

I’ve had all hits an no misses so far with all of the Gloria Ferrer sparkling wines that I’ve sipped thus far. I’m particularly intrigued with their 2004 Carneros Cuvée – Late Disgorged, especially since it’s a vintage-year wine. Plus the $60-75 price tag for the cuvee clocks in at about the same as that of French champagne, so I’m guessing it’s a sublime bottle to drink. I also have the Brut Rosé on my sipping radar as well.

Hmm, perhaps I really will sip my way through their portfolio one of these days…

Have you sipped any of Gloria Ferrer’s sparklers? Are there any that you haven’t tried yet that you’d like to? Let me know what you think in the comments, of tag me on social media {@TheBubbleista on Instagram and Twitter} with one or more of the hashtags below!

#FizzFriday

#GloriaFerrer

#BubbleistaApproved