Meet the Maker at The Spirited Gourmet!

This is a one of a kind tasting that we are thrilled to be able to share. Join us as we welcome Nicole Bertotti Pope of Haliotide Wines for a special tasting and conversation. Come meet the winemaker, taste through her beautiful lineup, and hear the stories that bring these wines to life.

Great wine always has a story. This time, you'll hear it from the person who wrote it.

 2021, Haliotide, “Bassi Vineyard” Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, San Luis Obispo, California                              

The Bassi Vineyard is located 1.2 mies from Avila Beach, just west of the Topotero Vineyard, tucked up in the hillsides of Avila Valley, facing due south. The vineyard was planted in 2001 to 29 acres on an 112 acre ranch. The soils are composed of sandstone, ranging from rock outcropping to sand deposits, a reminder of the close proximity to the sea.

In the glass, this Blanc de Blancs shows a pale golden color and lively fine bubbles. First, the nose reveals bright citrus zest with hints of sea salt and levain dough. These notes reflect the coastal soils and slow bottle aging. On the palate, Meyer lemon and key lime flavors are balanced with a creamy texture and mineral backbone. Moreover, the finish is clean, refined, and long, with subtle oyster shell and saline hints that evoke the ocean breeze.

 2022, Haliotide, “Le Fenil Vineyard” Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut, San Luis Obispo, California                           

Situated five miles from the Pacific on the edge of Edna Valley, Le Fenil is shaped by winds flowing through the Los Osos-Morro Bay. Planted entirely to own-rooted Champagne clones of Pinot Noir, the early-arriving afternoon fog and steady ocean winds moderate heat accumulation, preserving the natural acidity essential for precision sparkling wine.

Brilliant pale straw in color with a fine mousse. Lifted aromatics of stone fruit, citrus blossom, and tangelo zest. The palate is defined by vibrant acidity and crystalline purity, finishing bright and lime-driven with a hint of coastal salinity. Fruit-forward and acid-driven upon release, with aging potential through 2038.

 2022, Haliotide, “Topotero Vineyard” Extra Brut Rosé, San Luis Obispo, California                                          

Topotero Vineyard is a family-owned, 5-acre site in Avila Beach, planted in 2000. Situated just 1.3 miles from the Pacific, where the maritime climate has a profound influence on the vines. Their ranch is alive with gardens, orchards, pigs, guinea fowl, and the watchful eyes of hawks and owls.

Foggy mornings and sunny afternoons preserved freshness and acidity while achieving full fruit maturity. Pale pink with a fine mousse. Aromas of wild strawberry, white nectarine, and citrus peel lead to crystalline flavors of finger lime, watermelon, and sea spray. Bright and elegant upon release, with aging potential through 2030+.

 2020, Haliotide, “Stolo Vineyard” Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, San Luis Obispo, California                            

Stolo Vineyards is located less than 3 miles from the ocean, just south of Big Sur and west of the Santa Lucia mountain range in Cambria, California.  Lucas and Nicole have helped to plant and farm this vineyard since 2010. The powerful cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean through fog and wind make this an extremely cool climate grape growing region.

The nose exhibits an orchard fruit core with subtle tropical hints, pleasantly complicated by almond paste and pastry cream nuances. It is broad and textural on the palate, combining a subtle, layered richness with mouthwatering acidity that runs through the delicate and understated finish. A slightly more powerful wine from the Haliotide lineup.