Congratulations on your 2005 Domaine Carneros Brut being
recently selected as the top Best Wines Over $20 in the Sparkling Wine Category
by Food & Wine in its picks for the best wines
in America in its 12th annual American Wine Awards. It seems amazing to me that you can keep your
Sparkling wines under $30. How have you been able to sustain your “sweet spot”
price point and be fully organic?
"( Domaine Carneros)... has been long term on this." In 2003 all the estate vineyards were CCOF certified and this past August, the winery became CCOF too. Even as far back as 2003, D.C. was thinking ahead and installed the largest solar collectors of any winery in the world at the time. "We did seminars on how to do it, " she said as she got so many phone calls from wineries trying to figure it out.
"(We) try to live lightly on the land...incorporate nature... is a very traditional approach." "All the herbicides and pesticides are new things." Eileen noted the winery looks like the traditional Epernay estate in France - but that it was built with many "green" and sustainable methods for energy use and temp. control.
Eileen on going organic: "It has been huge. The amount of grapes coming off our vineyards have been huge! The quality of wine is better too. It's like the difference between taking a vitamin and eating healthy."Eileen noted that the costs of going CCOF may be initially higher but said that now there is more cost efficiency. "The pay-back is better," she said.
At the Women For WineSense “Innovative Women of Wine” roundtable back in
Feb. ’09 you made the insightful comment “…even if you are on the right track you can still
get run over…” Have you found a new or unusual product or service to
focus on this year, or is that still top secret?
1. A Blanc de Noir Sparkling wine to be released in the fall. It will have a striking silver and black label and D.C. will be rolling it out with a "Black & White" ball-like party. "You can come in black tie or a white t-shirt and black shorts..." she said. Perfect for all generations.
2. "Pinot Clair" will be a white Pinot Noir still wine. "Intriguing product..." High-level mature Pinot Noir grapes will be whole cluster pressed and aged just like a red. Release date is pending.
Both wines will be available at the winery to all consumers not just wine club members.
Winemaking is an art; what “artist” (writer, musician,
actor, visual artist) is your inspiration or kindred
spirit?
Winemaking is a science; what scientist or concept, or
technique are you?
What is your “rebel yell”- the thing you’re most
passionate about?
Can you describe a time you were discouraged and a time you were encouraged to become a winemaker?
What’s the greatest challenge facing a vivacious
vigneron today?
Bonus question: Most people don’t know……