Piedmont's Lightbulb Wine
Erbaluce is one of Piedmont's oldest white grapes, grown in Italy for centuries and rarely seen outside it. Most Italian Erbaluce is made as a dry table wine, though some producers use it to make a deep gold, sweet wine called passito.
Two years ago, we decided to make our Fox Hill Erbaluce into a sparkling wine because of the fruit's bright acidity and freshness. Our winemaker Chris calls it a "lightbulb wine" because it's unlike anything you've ever tasted. It's floral, dry, and energetic with a savory edge. It's elegant and food-friendly, but with complexity that keeps you discovering something new every time you taste it.
From Piedmont to Fox Hill
Fox Hill has become one of California's go-to sources for Italian grape varieties. In Piedmont, it's one of the last white grapes picked because it holds onto its acidity even at full ripeness. Fox Hill's warm days and cold nights give it that same long season while locking in the grape's acidity.
Made by Hand
We foot stomped the grapes, then pressed gently into stainless tanks to ferment naturally. Once the wine hit about 18 grams of sugar, still sweet, we bottled it. Fermentation picked back up inside the bottle, giving the wine its bubbles. The wine sat on tirage for seven months until fully dry, then we disgorged it by hand, one bottle at a time.
At the Table
Our Sparkling Erbaluce has notes of honey melon, almond, jasmine, and slate. It pairs well with light seafood, salads, or anything with citrus and herbs.
And it makes a great addition to any celebration. Stock up now for your holiday festivities, this one will go fast.
