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The Chandon California Brut is a wine that lists for $26, but I found it on sale in December of 2023 for $15, there are great prices on Sparkling Wine during the Holidays. Chandon is owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton who also owns Moet Chandon, Dom Perignon, Krug, and many more.
Chandon was one of the first French Champagne Houses to start an outpost in California founding their winery in Napa in 1973.
I chose the Chandon California Brut because this is the House style. It is 73% Chardonnay, 26% Pinot Noir, and 1% Pinot Meunier sourced from vineyards in several California AVAs. Chandon also produces special wines priced at $75 to $105, so if you think this Bubbly has an un-Champagne price tag, they have others that sell for far more.
While the Chandon California Brut was produced with the same method used in Champagne France there are some differences. For instance, the second fermentation (also known as triage) lasts for a minimum of 12 months, while in Champagne all Bubbly must have a triage of at least 18 months.
If you are concerned about a Champagne-style wine being sourced from vineyards located all over Coastal Northern California, remember that the leading Brut French Champagne was sourced from 100 vineyards. Also, as long as they are selecting excellent grapes multiple vineyards do not seem to be detrimental.
This is a non-vintage wine meaning that they combined multiple vintages to produce a wine that delivers the same experience year in and year out. Wine Enthusiast issued this Bubbly 90 points in 2020, and this 2023 version should taste the same. The alcohol content is 12%.
Chandon California Brut Tasting Notes
The color is silver and gold. The nose is citrus, brioche bread, candy spice, apple, and pear. The Chandon California Brut is a dry (not sweet) Bubbly with fruit-forward flavors along with interesting citrus.
This Sparkling Wine tastes like grapefruit mixed with ripe pear, a little crusty bread, a slap of sharp spice, and lemon. The mid-palate offers a hint of cream, followed by tart green apple, and a late hit of stone fruit.
The acidity is excellent, this Bubbly and good structure and good length.
The Summary
- The Chandon California Brut is a very easy Sparkling Wine to like, the flavors are recognizable and well-balanced.
- It drinks well and will appeal to both amateurs and pros alike.
- It is just fun to drink!
