The Eyrie Vineyards "Spark" Ultra Brut Sparkling Rosé NV

A historic family winery located in the Willamette Valley, The Eyrie Vineyards, named for the red-tailed hawks living on the property, was founded in 1965 by David Lett. After moving to Oregon with vine cuttings from sources in California, he purchased 20 acres in the Dundee Hills and planted five acres of Pinot Noir and several other varieties along with his wife, Diana. They were among the first to plant Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley, and the inaugural vintage of The Eyrie Vineyards was 1970. In 1978, Becky Wasserman included the winery’s 1975 Pinot Noir in a French tasting competition, and it placed third among Pinot Noirs—against its Burgundian competitors. This triumph put the Willamette Valley on the map internationally. David’s son, Jason, became winemaker in 2005 and carries on his father’s spirit of innovation and experimentation. Today, the wines are made entirely from estate fruit from five vineyards in the Dundee Hills.

Made from fruit grown in five certified organic estate vineyards (The Eyrie, Daphne, Roland Green, Outcrop, and Sisters), with an average vine age of 29 years. “Spark” is a blend of vintages of Pinot Noir fruit (48%),  Pinot Meunier (6%), Chardonnay (9%), Pinot Blanc (5%) and Chasselas doré (31%). Fermentation and aging occurred in a combination of wood barrels and stainless steel, and the wine spent an average of 11 months on lees, giving it a subtle richness with no residual sugar.  

Notes of pear and citrus rind lead to a palate with crisp acidity, with lively yet soft effervescence. A slight astringency balances the richness from extended lees contact, and the wine finishes on notes of blood orange and wild strawberries.