Carboniste, Sonoma (California) Gomes Vineyard Albariño “Octopus” Extra Brut 2023 ($32)

This vibrant and refreshing sparkling wine is the creation of Napa locals Jacqueline and Dan Person, both UC Davis graduates with impressive credentials. Jacqueline previously consulted for Naked Wines, and Dan honed his skills at Schramsberg and Larkmead. Made from grapes sourced from the Gomes Vineyard in the Sacramento Delta, their winemaking approach moves away from traditional Champagne methods, allowing California’s warmth to influence a lively, fruity, and floral expression. The grapes are whole-cluster pressed, settled for two days, and fermented in tank with native yeast for three weeks. After that, secondary fermentation takes place in-bottle for two months, followed by disgorgement with a light dosage. The result is a crisp, fresh, and approachable wine, bursting with flavors of green apple, stone fruit, kumquat, and spicy floral notes—making it an ideal pairing for fish tacos.
92 Miranda Franco