Brut (1998)

About this wine

The 1998 J Vineyards & Winery Brut from the Russian River Valley offers fresh, light, and focused flavors of citrus, apple, mineral, and toast, resulting in a clean, bright, and refreshing finish. This sparkling wine is crafted from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, which contribute to its complexity and balance. The Russian River Valley's cool climate and foggy mornings provide ideal conditions for growing these grape varieties, enhancing the wine's crisp acidity and vibrant fruit flavors. The traditional method of production, involving secondary fermentation in the bottle, adds depth and a fine mousse to the wine. This Brut is a testament to the winery's dedication to producing high-quality sparkling wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region.

About the grape

In the Russian River Valley, the cool climate and foggy mornings create ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, which are traditionally used in sparkling wine production. J Vineyards & Winery, established in 1986, has been crafting sparkling wines from these varietals, utilizing methods like whole cluster pressing with a Coquard press to preserve the grapes' delicate flavors. The 1998 J Vineyards & Winery Brut is a prime example of their dedication to quality, blending these grapes to produce a sparkling wine that reflects the unique terroir of the region.

Quick facts

• 🍾 The 1998 J Vineyards & Winery Brut from the Russian River Valley is a sparkling wine crafted from a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes, following the traditional Champagne method.
• 🌫️ The Russian River Valley AVA, established in 1983, is renowned for its cool climate and foggy conditions, making it ideal for cultivating high-quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.
• 🍇 Pinot Meunier, one of the grape varietals in this blend, is known for its distinctive white, flour-like down on the underside of its leaves, which inspired its name meaning 'miller' in French.
• 🏞️ J Vineyards & Winery, founded in 1986 by Judy Jordan, has built a reputation for producing exceptional sparkling wines in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley.
• 🍏 The 1998 vintage of this Brut was noted for its fresh, light, and focused profile, featuring citrus, apple, mineral, and toast flavors, with a clean, bright, and refreshing finish.

Palate profile

Producer

J Vineyards & Winery was founded in 1986 by Judy Jordan in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma County, California. Initially focusing on traditional-method sparkling wines, the winery has expanded its portfolio to include varietal wines such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. In 2015, J Vineyards & Winery was acquired by E. & J. Gallo Winery, marking a new chapter in its history. The winery is renowned for its commitment to sustainable farming practices and offers a range of tasting experiences, including the acclaimed Bubble Room, which pairs wines with seasonal culinary creations.