What is the difference between Riverbench sparkling wines?

In 2008, we committed ourselves to our premium sparkling wine program, taking steps to make wines that are inspired by centuries of sparkling wine making history in Champagne, France. We make all Riverbench sparkling wines in-house using the Méthode Champenoise, which takes a minimum of two and a half years from harvest to disgorgement. We grow and produce sparkling wines from the three traditional noble grapes: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. In 2019, we released the first ever sparkling Pinot Meunier grown and produced in Santa Barbara County. 

Our sparkling wines favor a dryer style. The only exception, the Demi-Sec and Extra Brut, are treated with a slightly sweeter dosage.

The Blanc De Blancs is classic to its name, using Chardonnay grapes that offer lively acidity and citrus notes. The Blanc De Noirs, made instead from Pinot Noir grapes, is more complex and often savory in profile. The Brut Rose, our most popular, exudes a light blush coloring and extra dry, bright fruits.

In 2020, we released our first ever Cork Jumper Cuvée: a blend of all three noble grapes that pays homage to the classic Champagne Cuvées with a silky mousse, dried fruit aromas and herbal notes.

For the truly inspired, our Reserve Blanc De Blancs might be the right choice. This passion project took four years to make completely by hand, resulting in an oxidized and layered sparkling wine.