Having
already established his own fine French champagne style wine in Bethon, France,
winery founder Gilbert Gruet came across some winemaking pioneers while on a
trip to the southwestern US in 1983. Hearing
of the experiences by these Europeans making wine from New Mexico grapes piqued
his interest. The sandy soils and high elevations along with the swing in night
and day temperatures seemed like ideal conditions for growing grapes that he
was familiar. Two of his children ended up taking on the adventure to establish
the state as a premier location for making fine sparkling wines in 1984.
Focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, as well as some Pinot Meunier,
their first sparkling release was in 1989 (from the 1987 harvest). In 1993, the
Albuquerque tasting room was established and a Santa Fe tasting room followed in
2016. What began as a dream and possibility has now become a well-known source
for some of the best sparkling wines made in the Unites States. In addition to grapes from New Mexico, grapes
are also supplemented from vineyards in California and Washington. With a focus on Méthode Champenoise, you know
you will be in for a fantastic tasting experience. We tried out the tasting
room in Santa Fe. When you walk in, you
will instantly be mesmerized by the bright décor, easily viewable bottles of
bubblies, and friendly staff members ready to assist you. Tastings are typically done in different
flights or customized ones, and there are non-sparkling wines to try as well. We stuck with the Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
sparkling flights for our visit. First up, was the Sauvage NV. Aged for 24 months,
this Chardonnay bubbly is bone dry with fine bubbles and notes of apples and
citrus. Next was the Blanc de Blancs NV. This Brut style sparkling has a
zestier feel with tropical notes and apples. We were intrigued with the 2018
Blanc de Blancs. This 42-month aged en tirage has some toasty notes of almonds
and mature apples along with an excellent long finish. We were really excited by the 2016 Gilbert
Gruet Grande Reserve. This Chardonnay based beast was aged one year in oak and
three years en tirage. Along with the
super fine bubbles, there is some great minerality, plus citrus and apples,
along with a luscious creaminess. Yes, wow!
The other four sparkling wines that we tried were Pinot Noir based. The
Barrel-aged Bland de Noirs NV has 10% Chardonnay added to it. Aged for six months in French oak plus 16
months sur latte, the strawberry aromatics were wonderful along with vanilla
and pineapple flavors. The Sauvage Rosé NV
was all Pinot Noir. This two-year aged
jewel was also bone-dry and had notes of strawberries and cherries along with very
fine bubbles. The other 100% Pinot Noir
sparkling we tried was the Brut Rosé NV. It was quite aromatic with more
strawberry notes and a bit more acidity to the finish. Savor a great one for
last and enjoy the 2016 Grande Rosé. Also blended with 10% Chardonnay, this
lovely bubbly will hit you about mid palate with black cherries, some
creaminess, and a very satisfying long finish.
Everything served here is quite good and we are sure you will be walking
away with a few bottles as souvenirs, too. You will feel warm and welcomed here
as well as being entertained by the friendly staff chat. Santé!
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