2024 Red Tail Ridge - Pinot Noir Pet Nat Finger Lakes (750ml)

Red Tail Ridge sits on the western shore of Seneca Lake. Nancy Irelan and her husband Mike Schnelle bought a parcel of undeveloped wooded land there in 2004 and founded the winery the following year. Nancy holds a doctorate in genetics and came to the Finger Lakes from E&J Gallo in California, where she was Vice President of Enology and Viticulture Technology. Their winery was the first in New York State to earn LEED certification. The couple is known for testing unusual grapes such as Teroldego and Dornfelder, and sparkling wines have become one of the estate’s specialties.

This pét-nat is made entirely from Pinot Noir grown on the Red Tail Ridge estate, where the cool Finger Lakes climate suits the grape. The vineyard has been farmed organically, and the grapes are whole-cluster pressed and fermented with native yeasts. The wine is bottled before fermentation finishes, so the bubbles form naturally in the bottle. Because the process involves so little intervention, each bottle can vary somewhat in color, sweetness, and flavor.

This sparkling rosé has a light pink color and smells of ripe raspberries, strawberries and cream, blood orange, and a touch of mint. The bubbles are soft and creamy, and bright acidity carries a refreshing finish. It goes well with prosciutto, salmon, shellfish, or a picnic spread.