Chandon Unveils Its Newest Star : "étoile Tête de Cuvée"

YOUNTVILLE, Calif. - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Domaine Chandon, the leading sparkling wine producer in the Napa Valley, is proud to introduce the new shining star of its portfolio with the first release of "etoile Tête de Cuvee" . In the Champagne house tradition, Chandon now offers a Tête de Cuvee to represent the best of its wines - literally the "head blend" . Released in time for the festive holiday season, this wine is available for $100/bottle SRP.

To craft this ultimate expression of California sparkling wine, Chandon's winemakers blended the best grapes from the 2000 harvest and allowed the wine to age gracefully for eight years on the lees. Like many vintage sparkling wines, this prestige cuvee was blended to evolve over time; it started out very tight and austere but through extended sur lees aging it developed rich flavors, layers of complexity and a luxuriously creamy mouthfeel. etoile Tête de Cuvee is ready to enjoy now, but will continue to develop for years to come when suitably cellared.

"We are delighted to unveil this unique sparkling wine," says Tom Tiburzi, Sparkling Winemaker for Domaine Chandon. "At Chandon, we blend the best of French tradition with new world innovations. This latest culmination of winemaking effort embodies our commitment to crafting the finest sparkling wine in California. After nurturing this wine in our cellar for eight years, I am very pleased to present this new star, or etoile, of our portfolio."

Made in the traditional method using traditional Champagne grapes of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this sparkler's tiny bubbles elevate an appealing, spicy bouquet of toasted cardamom, star anise and baked apples. While preserving crisp acidity, this well-balanced and sophisticated wine evolves to reveal ripe flavors of cherry, honey, chocolate, toasted hazelnuts and dried fig. Extended time on lees has created both an expansive, rich mouthfeel carrying toffee and caramel flavors and a creamy, long finish. We suggest savoring the spicy, complex flavors of this sparker as an aperitif or pairing it with richer dishes like roasted game or a terrine of foie gras.

Designed to reflect the elegance of the wine in the bottle, the attractive bottle is adorned with a simple yet sophisticated golden medallion and finished with a decorative ribbon. This one-of-a-kind wine is innovative, provocative, distinctive, and only available at the winery and chandon.com.

For a press sample or images, please contact Lara Abbott, lara_abbott@chandon.com or 707-204-7620.

About Domaine Chandon:

Domaine Chandon, Inc. is the leading sparkling wine producer in the Napa Valley. Founded in 1973, Domaine Chandon was the first American sparkling wine venture established by a French Champagne house (Moet & Chandon) and is the only winery with a Michelin-starred restaurant (etoile) on site. Chandon crafts a range of sparkling wines that reflect California's vibrant regional character yet remain true to the practices of methode traditionnelle. In 2002, the winery expanded its portfolio to include premium still wines made from Champagne varietals. A leader in viticulture as well as winemaking, Domaine Chandon is at the forefront of sustainable farming practices and continues to replenish, control, and in many cases restore the natural habitat.

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Domaine Chandon
Lara Abbott, 707-204-7620
lara_abbott@chandon.com