Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs

Region and Vineyards

Gloria Ferrer’s Blanc de Blancs originates in the Carneros appellation of Sonoma County, a region where the cooling influence of the San Pablo Bay tempers the climate and provides ideal growing conditions for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Known for its marine layer, brisk winds, and thin clay-loam soils, Carneros is one of California's most acclaimed AVAs for sparkling wine production. The vineyards here enjoy long hang times, which allow for full flavor development while preserving acidity—essential traits for high-quality sparkling base wines.

Chardonnay vines used for this cuvée are hand-harvested and cultivated with a focus on vibrancy and elegance. Grown at altitudes that capture the bay’s morning fog and afternoon sunshine, these grapes benefit from a diurnal shift that enhances their aromatic profile. Gloria Ferrer, founded in 1986 as the first sparkling wine house in Carneros, was a pioneer in proving that this cool subregion could rival the finesse of Champagne with Californian expression.

Winemaking

Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Blancs is crafted using 100% Chardonnay, adhering to the traditional method (méthode champenoise) to emphasize elegance and complexity. Upon harvest, the grapes are gently whole-cluster pressed to retain purity and structure. The base wine undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks at controlled low temperatures (55–60°F), preserving fresh aromatics and bright acidity.

Following primary fermentation, the wine is bottled for secondary fermentation and aged on the lees for two years, which enhances its creamy mouthfeel and autolytic complexity. The dosage sits at 12.2 g/L, balancing its crisp acidity (TA: 8.0 g/L, pH: 3.28) and highlighting ripe citrus and apple flavors. With 12.5% ABV, the wine shows freshness and poise while maintaining depth from aging.

Tasting Notes

• Color: Pale gold with a persistent stream of fine bubbles and a satin mousse.
• Aroma: Fragrant with orange blossom, lemongrass, and ripe green apple; underpinned by hints of vanilla crème and freshly baked brioche.
• Palate: Creamy and refreshingly clean, the palate opens with Granny Smith apple and citrus zest, evolving into mineral tones and a lightly toasted finish with subtle pastry notes.

Did you know?

Gloria Ferrer was the first sparkling wine house established in Carneros, and it was founded by the Ferrer family of Freixenet, Spain’s iconic Cava producer. The house was instrumental in introducing traditional method sparkling wine to Sonoma using estate-grown grapes, elevating California sparkling to international acclaim.

Wine Pairing Ideas

• Seared scallops with lemon butter: The wine’s minerality and acidity complement the richness and subtle sweetness of the scallops.
• East Coast oysters with mignonette: Bright acidity cuts through the brine, and the fine mousse enhances texture.
• Smoked salmon on crème fraîche blinis: Balances the oily richness while enhancing savory and herbal nuances.
• Soft cheeses like Brie or chèvre: The wine’s citrus vibrancy and creamy mousse pair beautifully with creamy, mild cheeses.

History of Gloria Ferrer

Gloria Ferrer was founded in 1986 by the Ferrer family of Spain, renowned for their production of Freixenet Cava. Driven by a vision to establish a world-class sparkling wine house in California, José Ferrer selected the Carneros region for its cool-climate potential and proximity to the San Pablo Bay—ideal conditions for cultivating Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Named after José’s wife, Gloria Ferrer, the estate was the first sparkling wine house in Carneros, and its establishment marked a turning point for California’s sparkling wine industry. Drawing on their long-standing expertise in Cava production, the Ferrers introduced the traditional method (méthode traditionnelle) to Sonoma, but with a focus on estate-grown fruit and a clear expression of local terroir.

From the beginning, the Ferrer family emphasized sustainable viticulture, precision farming, and clonal diversity, especially in Pinot Noir. With over 335 hectares (830 acres) planted and more than 21 Pinot Noir clones, the estate set a new standard for sparkling wine complexity and consistency in the New World.

Region and Vineyards

Located in the Carneros AVA, at the southern edge of Sonoma County, the estate enjoys a cool, maritime-influenced climate shaped by the San Pablo Bay. This fog-laden environment is essential for maintaining high acidity, slow grape maturation, and aromatic finesse—key traits for quality sparkling wine.

Gloria Ferrer’s vineyards span gently sloped hillsides with clay-loam and gravel soils, ensuring excellent drainage and moderate vigor. The diversity of microclimates and clones across the estate allows the winemaking team to craft nuanced, site-expressive blends. The estate’s approach balances tradition and innovation, with a particular emphasis on hand-harvesting, whole-cluster pressing, and precision in dosage and aging.

Wine Range of Gloria Ferrer

Gloria Ferrer produces a diverse portfolio of méthode traditionnelle sparkling wines, as well as select still wines:

• Sonoma Brut: The flagship cuvée, led by Pinot Noir, showing creamy texture and citrus-driven freshness.
• Blanc de Noirs: A bold, fruit-driven style made primarily from Pinot Noir, with notes of red berries and spice.
• Blanc de Blancs: A pure Chardonnay expression marked by finesse, lemon zest, and mineral tension.
• Royal Cuvée: A vintage-dated prestige cuvée, aged extensively on lees, offering complexity and depth.
• Rosé: A delicately colored sparkling rosé showcasing wild strawberry, rose petal, and citrus lift.
• Still Wines: Including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, highlighting single-block expressions of the estate.

Did you know?

Gloria Ferrer was the first producer to plant Champagne clones of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Carneros, setting the foundation for the region’s modern sparkling wine success. Its commitment to estate-grown fruit and traditional methods remains a defining hallmark of its identity.