First Things First: Sparkling Roussanne from Sosie Wines

Sosie (so-zee) is a French word that translates to twin or spitting image. The name perfectly describes Regina Bustamante and Scott MacFiggen’s vision of making Northern California wines in a French style. Thanks to travels through France their palates are Old World in style, having been influenced by Bordeaux, Rhône Valley, Burgundy and Loire Valley wines.

Given their affinity for French wines, it isn’t surprising Scott and Regina would be attracted to Roussanne. This French variety is planted throughout California, though the total acreage is not large. It is surprising to me that they’ve made a sparkling Roussanne, however. I can’t remember tasting one before, so when the opportunity to do so presented, I happily accepted the offer of a tasting sample.

2018 Sosie First Things First Brut Nature, Sonoma County — medium yellow in the glass with energetic bubbles. Aromas of jasmine and yellow peach with slight toasty scents are followed by  flavors of citrus, oat hay, peach and yellow apple. Nice acidity and round, mouth-filling weight and a lingering finish make for an interesting sparkling wine. Disgorged May 2020. 13.5% abv. SRP $30

Roussanne is sourced from Vivio Vineyard in Sonoma’s Bennett Valley, which enjoys a strong maritime influence. This California sparkler is made using the traditional method, as in Champagne, with the bubble-inducing second fermentation in the bottle. The base wine was fermented naturally, in barrel, completed malolactic fermentation and aged in neutral oak for six months before undergoing a second fermentation in the bottle.

While this wine is lovely to sip on its own, its body and flavors beg to be paired with a meal (and friends when we’re allowed.) Consider seafood pasta, baked halibut, roasted chicken. 

We have previously tasted Sosie Wines Pinot Noir and Roussanne as a still wine, so this taste was particularly interesting. Thanks to Calhoun & Company Communications for sending this interesting wine our way.

Cheers!