Wine LibraryDell Valley Vineyard
Rebecca Caroline
2023 Dell Valley Cuvée
60% Chardonnay, 40% Chenin Blanc
- Vintage2023
- TypeSparkling
- StyleBrut
- AppellationHudspeth County
- VineyardDell Valley Vineyard
- DrinkDrink before 2029
- ServeServe at 45°F
- WinemakerSeth Urbanek
- ABV
- 12.5%
- TA
- 11.09 g/L
- pH
- 3.11
- Cases Made
- 640
When to drink it
Drinking at its peak - chill wellDrink before 2029
Tasting Notes
Delicate and fruity on the nose with a soft toast and cream quality from lees aging. The palate is light-bodied with a stony minerality that is classic from this region. An edge of salt complements melon rind notes and begs for food. Bone dry.
The Vintage
Rain and mild temperatures early - Weeks-long heat spikes - Lean and delicate wines
Winemaking
Picked early over 2 days. Each lot fermented separately - the Chenin Blanc in neutral white oak barrel and Chardonnay in stainless steel tank. Second fermentation spurred in bottle. The wine stayed 20 months on the lees. Disgorged May 9, 2025, and resealed after a dosage of 6.00 g/L.
Food Pairing
Salty snacks, spring salads and light seafood dishes such as oysters or a delicate flake fish.
The Vineyard
Originally planted in 1987, the vines at Dell Valley Vineyard are thick and deeply rooted in the sloped, ancient caliche soils of the Chihuahua Desert in Far West Texas. The 200 or so acres of over a dozen varieties are tended by Phillipe Littot, whose experience with growing grapes began at an early age on the French island of Corsica. It is the sole vineyard in the remote area.
Vine maturity: About 10 years
Soil: Amarillo sandy loam over caliche with rock
Elevation: 3,750 feet
In 2024 a “Dell Valley” AVA was proposed.