Schug 2003 Rouge de Noirs Brut

Winemaker Tasting Notes:
In the tradition of my home estate in Germany, we offer this Sparkling Pinot Noir as a celebration of the intense yet delicate flavors the Pinot Noir grape has to offer.

During my childhood, my father selected casks of his finest Pinot Noir to make into sparkling wine, choosing only the wines showing true varietal character. Our own "Rouge de Noirs" is handcrafted using traditional European methods of bottle fermentation and careful riddling. Delicate and dry like a fine Blanc de Noirs yet uniquely different, it has a richness, intensity of flavor and brilliant red color rarely found in a sparkling wine. "Rouge de Noirs" embodies the true essence of Pinot Noir - a wine we produce "for the love of it!" Walter Schug, Winemaster

Technical Notes:

Cuvee:	100% Carneros Pinot Noir, Ricci Vineyard "K Block"
Fermentation:	3 days skin contact in Stainless Steel Rotary Fermenters, followed by cool fermentation in stainless steel.
Tirage & Disgorging	18 months en tirage (on the yeast) ; disgorged in March 2005
Alcohol	12%
Acidity:	TA= 0.48 g/100ml; pH= 3.38
Release Date	May 1, 2005
Production:	659 cases