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

Fri Nov 6, 2009 8:02am EST
New Sparkling Wine Represents the Best of Domaine Chandon`s Portfolio 
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 "étoileTête de Cuvée". In the Champagne house tradition, Chandon now offers a
Tête de Cuvée 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 cuvée 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. étoile Tête de Cuvée 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 étoile, 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 (Moët & Chandon) and is the only winery
with a Michelin-starred restaurant (étoile) on site. Chandon crafts a range of
sparkling wines that reflect California`s vibrant regional character yet remain
true to the practices of méthode 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. 

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6093720&lang=en

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



Copyright Business Wire 2009



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