This unique Sparkling Verdelho is dry and crisp with notes of lemon and apricot and tasty notes of honeysuckle, guava, and soft, green apple.
From Randy Pitts, Owner/Winemaker: This is our inaugural vintage of Sparkling Verdelho. We had made a steel version in previous years and loved the fruit and the soft, approachable style of this unique Portuguese varietal. I was told there are only 30 acres planted in all of California. It’s a cousin to Vino Verde.
It was harvested at 19.8 Brix sugar. We crushed it and pressed it into tank on August 22, 2022. The 2022 vintage was by far our best vintage we have ever had, making wine since 2001. It was a hot season."
Specs
Varietal: 100% Verdelho
Appellation: Alta Mesa
Alcohol: 12.5%
Dosage: .7 g/L
Production: 105 cases
What’s Included
3-bottles:
3x 2022 Harvest Moon Sparkling Verdelho, Alta Mesa Case:
12x 2022 Harvest Moon Sparkling Verdelho, Alta Mesa
The Harvest Moon, a celestial occurrence near the autumnal equinox, is known for its unique characteristics based on the ecliptic’s position in the sky. Inspired by this natural wonder, Harvest Moon Estate and Winery was established to grow, produce, and bottle exceptional Russian River Valley wines with a balanced, elegant style.
At Harvest Moon, we believe that Russian River Valley Zinfandel can be as complex and refined as any Pinot Noir or Bordeaux variety, deserving the same recognition. The Pitts family has cultivated quality grapes in the Russian River Valley since 1976. In 2000, Randy Pitts left San Francisco to oversee the family’s nine-acre ranch, learning farming techniques from his father and taking viticulture and enology courses at a local college. Randy’s homemade Zinfandel from the ranch’s back block was a delightful success, leading him to realize Zinfandel’s potential as one of California’s distinguished wines. Embracing their roles as growers and winemakers, the Pitts family released their first vintage in 2002 and continues to make their mark on the wine scene.
Beyond Zinfandel, Harvest Moon handcrafts limited quantities of Russian River Valley Gewürztraminer, Pinot Noir, Petite Sirah, and Syrah; Dry Creek Cabernet Sauvignon; Alta Mesa Malbec; and Alexander Valley Sangiovese.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI
Casey Casemateer (aka Terry) sent an email, alerting me to a lab rat bottle coming my way. Many of you know about my sordid history with “Brown”. Thankfully, the delivery went off without a hitch.
My LW and I opened the bottle today, while watching the disaster that was the Cleveland Browns game. Sadly, that “disaster” was put into perspective when our neighbor’s house caught fire.
We had gotten through half the bottle and pretty much settled on our tasting notes/impressions, when we heard multiple sirens nearby. Looking outside, there was a fire truck in front of our house and a police car in our driveway. We went outside to find that the house on the other side of our next-door neighbor was on fire.
Fire engines from 4 local communities helped to put the blaze out in a hurry, and although the fire seemed to be mostly contained to an attached garage, they said the house was probably a total loss. Fortunately, the man who lives there was unharmed.
Onto the wine… opened with a satisfying POP and caught a whiff of ozone. Agressive mousse out of the bottle, with medium sized bubbles. Mousse dies down fairly quickly, but a persistent bead of bubbles continues to rise up the center of the flute.
Bracing acidity on the palate, and my wife and I both agreed that the primary flavor was lemon, which morphed into more of a lime note on the finish. Something herbaceous there that we could not identify. Slight bitterness on the finish makes it more of a citrus zest or even pith note. I got a little bit of chalkiness as well but my LW did not detect that.
The nose had initially seemed closed to me, so I tried another sniffy-sniff. Still felt like I was getting some ozone and maybe a little waxy citrus, but that’s about it. Asked my wife to do the same, and she said she detected caramel and toasted coconut? I sniffed again and could detect a little toastiness but no caramel. We just happened to have some fudge striped caramel toasted coconut cookies in the refrigerator, so we just had to try. Turned out it was a really good pairing. It made the wine seem a little creamy and tropical.
This is a fun sparkling wine that would be refreshing on a warm day (or any day). I could see using this to make a French 75 or as the secret ingredient in a Dirty Moscow Mule, but it’s plenty enjoyable on its own. Also paired the last glass with some leftover General Tso’s chicken from last night and it was a great match. Not so good with a fortune cookie, but my fortune said “Your success story lies in your future”. Just so happens that I am starting a new (and hopefully final, lol) career tomorrow. While I feel that my life has been generally successful, is the best yet to come at age 63? Only time will tell.
Anyway, Randy has done a great job creating a fun and unique sparkling wine. It’s a little rustic compared to fine Champagne, but that is also part of its charm. Thanks to WD, Terry and Randy for the opportunity.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2022 Harvest Moon Sparkling Verdelho - $70 = 29.16%
Coming in hot on this one! Not like “fire hot” like my fellow LabRat. But bear with me, just got back into town and popped the bottle of Harvest Moon in the fridge late this morning. Hence the late review on this bottle.
Ok here’s my quick take away on the Harvest Moon’s 2022 Alta Mesa Sparkling Verdelho. A POP and a little overflow with this pretty little lady! The bubbles are very light but effervescent with a beautiful light color.
This sparkling is very dry with notes of citrus lemon and pear. Maybe I have pear on my mind.
So with all that being said and trying to get this out, I’m coming back after dinner. I have a roasted citrus white wine chicken I’m making. Want to see how Harvest Moon pairs with the meal and with dessert. Was thinking it might be good for a Thanksgiving toast.
Hey Casemates, comma thanks for stopping by. I’m offering my Sparkling Verdelho. This is the first time we’ve worked with Verdelho in the Sparkling format. This Sparkling is certainly unique probably one of a kind and while it’s dry, it’s not harsh. Let me know if you have any questions.
greetings, we craft about seven sparkling wines each year. All traditional method. Secondary fermentation in the bottle. There’s five of us out of 170 wineries in Sonoma County that have our own equipment and knowledge to craft tiny bubbles. Each of our sparklings are about 120 cases in production. Thanks for reaching out.
LabRat is back! Took some time to really sit back and enjoy. It pared really nicely a creamy French brie on toasted baguette. The Sparkling Verdelho is dry and crisp and had a nice lemon citrus taste on the palette which melted in my mouth on the finish, not harsh at all. The pear was not present the 2nd time around. First time around, by itself it did have a mineral taste on the end, but my cheese and crackers, found it completely different. Will definitely pick the 3 bottles up for Thanksgiving charcuterie time.
@ttboy23 lol, thank you for the laugh. Clearly that was ChatGPT . Need to not review on a day i get home from travel and under the weather. The Sparkling Verdelho did help numb my symptoms before bed. This morning is a differ story.
I would be happy to have three or four bottles at the case price. I am in Newton Massachusetts, which is west of Boston. (Do emails still go out from casemates suggesting matches? Anyone in the area knows where Newton is, but I wanted to put Boston there for any automation…)
Anyway, I won’t be able to reliably look at casemates until the sale is over, but I have a fine track record of splitting cases here, 3 or 4 times I think.
I am willing to drive 25 minutes each way to pick up.
If you are interested, post here and go ahead and order - as I said, I won’t have time to organize or coordinate this any further later today. (Post here so two people don’t each buy a case and expect me to take four bottles!)
2022 Harvest Moon Sparkling Verdelho, Alta Mesa
Tasting Notes
Specs
What’s Included
3-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$552.00/Case for 12x 2022 Harvest Moon Sparkling Verdelho, Alta Mesa at Harvest Moon Estate & Winery
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Oct 20 - Tuesday, Oct 21
2022 Harvest Moon Sparkling Verdelho
3 bottles for $59.99 $20/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $169.99 $14.17/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2022 Harvest Moon Sparkling Verdelho
Casey Casemateer (aka Terry) sent an email, alerting me to a lab rat bottle coming my way. Many of you know about my sordid history with “Brown”. Thankfully, the delivery went off without a hitch.
My LW and I opened the bottle today, while watching the disaster that was the Cleveland Browns game. Sadly, that “disaster” was put into perspective when our neighbor’s house caught fire.
We had gotten through half the bottle and pretty much settled on our tasting notes/impressions, when we heard multiple sirens nearby. Looking outside, there was a fire truck in front of our house and a police car in our driveway. We went outside to find that the house on the other side of our next-door neighbor was on fire.
Fire engines from 4 local communities helped to put the blaze out in a hurry, and although the fire seemed to be mostly contained to an attached garage, they said the house was probably a total loss. Fortunately, the man who lives there was unharmed.
Onto the wine… opened with a satisfying POP and caught a whiff of ozone. Agressive mousse out of the bottle, with medium sized bubbles. Mousse dies down fairly quickly, but a persistent bead of bubbles continues to rise up the center of the flute.
Bracing acidity on the palate, and my wife and I both agreed that the primary flavor was lemon, which morphed into more of a lime note on the finish. Something herbaceous there that we could not identify. Slight bitterness on the finish makes it more of a citrus zest or even pith note. I got a little bit of chalkiness as well but my LW did not detect that.
The nose had initially seemed closed to me, so I tried another sniffy-sniff. Still felt like I was getting some ozone and maybe a little waxy citrus, but that’s about it. Asked my wife to do the same, and she said she detected caramel and toasted coconut? I sniffed again and could detect a little toastiness but no caramel. We just happened to have some fudge striped caramel toasted coconut cookies in the refrigerator, so we just had to try. Turned out it was a really good pairing. It made the wine seem a little creamy and tropical.
This is a fun sparkling wine that would be refreshing on a warm day (or any day). I could see using this to make a French 75 or as the secret ingredient in a Dirty Moscow Mule, but it’s plenty enjoyable on its own. Also paired the last glass with some leftover General Tso’s chicken from last night and it was a great match. Not so good with a fortune cookie, but my fortune said “Your success story lies in your future”. Just so happens that I am starting a new (and hopefully final, lol) career tomorrow. While I feel that my life has been generally successful, is the best yet to come at age 63? Only time will tell.
Anyway, Randy has done a great job creating a fun and unique sparkling wine. It’s a little rustic compared to fine Champagne, but that is also part of its charm. Thanks to WD, Terry and Randy for the opportunity.
@chipgreen nice notes on both the wine and house fire.
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations.)
2022 Harvest Moon Sparkling Verdelho - $70 = 29.16%
Coming in hot on this one! Not like “fire hot” like my fellow LabRat. But bear with me, just got back into town and popped the bottle of Harvest Moon in the fridge late this morning. Hence the late review on this bottle.
Ok here’s my quick take away on the Harvest Moon’s 2022 Alta Mesa Sparkling Verdelho. A POP and a little overflow with this pretty little lady! The bubbles are very light but effervescent with a beautiful light color.
This sparkling is very dry with notes of citrus lemon and pear. Maybe I have pear on my mind.
So with all that being said and trying to get this out, I’m coming back after dinner. I have a roasted citrus white wine chicken I’m making. Want to see how Harvest Moon pairs with the meal and with dessert. Was thinking it might be good for a Thanksgiving toast.
Tata for now. I’ll be back
Hey Casemates, comma thanks for stopping by. I’m offering my Sparkling Verdelho. This is the first time we’ve worked with Verdelho in the Sparkling format. This Sparkling is certainly unique probably one of a kind and while it’s dry, it’s not harsh. Let me know if you have any questions.
@Harvest_Moon care to go into any greater detail details into how this is made? Methode Champenoise? Charmat? Pet nat?
@tercerowines
greetings, we craft about seven sparkling wines each year. All traditional method. Secondary fermentation in the bottle. There’s five of us out of 170 wineries in Sonoma County that have our own equipment and knowledge to craft tiny bubbles. Each of our sparklings are about 120 cases in production. Thanks for reaching out.
LabRat is back! Took some time to really sit back and enjoy. It pared really nicely a creamy French brie on toasted baguette. The Sparkling Verdelho is dry and crisp and had a nice lemon citrus taste on the palette which melted in my mouth on the finish, not harsh at all. The pear was not present the 2nd time around. First time around, by itself it did have a mineral taste on the end, but my cheese and crackers, found it completely different. Will definitely pick the 3 bottles up for Thanksgiving charcuterie time.
@fox_y_vino Palate police!
@fox_y_vino @ttboy23 And paired vs pared.
@fox_y_vino @klezman @ttboy23
/showme a citrus taste on a palette
@ttboy23 lol, thank you for the laugh. Clearly that was ChatGPT
. Need to not review on a day i get home from travel and under the weather. The Sparkling Verdelho did help numb my symptoms before bed. This morning is a differ story.
/giphy impressive-ambiguous-chemist
Just a quick lab note: alc is 12.5 not 14.5%. Cheers!
@Harvest_Moon now corrected in stats above; tnx
I would be happy to have three or four bottles at the case price. I am in Newton Massachusetts, which is west of Boston. (Do emails still go out from casemates suggesting matches? Anyone in the area knows where Newton is, but I wanted to put Boston there for any automation…)
Anyway, I won’t be able to reliably look at casemates until the sale is over, but I have a fine track record of splitting cases here, 3 or 4 times I think.
I am willing to drive 25 minutes each way to pick up.
If you are interested, post here and go ahead and order - as I said, I won’t have time to organize or coordinate this any further later today. (Post here so two people don’t each buy a case and expect me to take four bottles!)
@bdb @netcommsyn
Sounds like you’ve got part of a case. I’m not in Boston so I can’t help!
I Live in Newton MA and would be willing to share.
I’m intrigued . . . in for 3!
/giphy immense-sulky-mummy
/giphy new-breathtaking-wood
@ttboy23 I couldn’t hold out on this. I don’t need a whole case. Southern MI is lit. I will split!