2023 Sparkling Tannat – Hye Estate Vineyard

Crunchy red berries, striking citrus notes and a stony minerality all mingle on the nose. Grapefruit pith and frozen cranberries rush onto the palate, chasing a wealth of frothy, delicate bubbles from fermentation in bottle. Hazy and packed with flavor, on a dry, light body.

Hand picked and gently pressed. Fermentation began in 50% stainless steel tank and 50% neutral oak barrel. Transferred to bottle mid-fermentation to finish in bottle (méthode ancestral). Undisgorged.

Begs for seafood such as oysters and caviar, but could be a counterpoint to marrow or al pastor tacos.

Hye Estate is home to about 6.5 total acres of grapevines. Planted in 2012 and again in 2015, just under 2 acres of Tannat vines are rooted in nitrogen-rich soil previously at the bottom of a riverbed. That, combined with a limestone base, has made for powerful grapes with incredible aromatics. Because of its success at this site, the full 6.5+ acres of vine area are dedicated to this single variety. The thick-skinned Tannat grape was originally planted at Hye Estate in 2012, and 2023 marks the first year those initial Tannat vines were used to craft a méthode ancestral wine.

Hye Estate Vineyard, Blanco County, Texas Hill Country AVA. Age of Vines: 11 years. Soil Type: Riverbed, limestone, rich in nitrogen. Elevation: 1,450 ft.