By Leslie Sbrocco–
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting hundreds of wineries around the Golden State during my years in the wine business. One of the most delicious and relaxing visits I’ve ever had was at Laetitia winery on California’s central coast. Located in the Arroyo Grande Valley area, its vineyards are only four miles from the cooling breezes of the Pacific Ocean.
Originally founded in 1982 by a famed French Champagne house, Laetitia has changed hands but the traditions of the regions of Burgundy and Champagne in France are honored with every sip. It’s truly a destination to discover. If you want to explore the wines and make a “virtual” visit, Laeticia’s focus is on world-class sparkling wine with still wines made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir rounding out their classy portfolio.
Laetitia Brut Cuvée Sparkling RM, Arroyo Grande Valley, California $25
The latest offering from Laetitia is their Sparkling RM. The letters are a nod to the winery’s French Champagne background as RM refers tothe term, récoltant manipulant. It identifies a wine made by a grower from their own grapes, not from ones purchased and grown by others. All Laetitia’s sparklers are made in the traditional méthode champenoise, which means every bottle is of the highest quality. The classic grape varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, comprise this succulently fruit-driven fizz with a creamy texture and dry finish. It’s a perfect wine to sip by itself for cocktail hour, served with a hearty brunch, or alongside spicy sushi.
Laetitia Brut Cuvée Estate, Arroyo Grande Valley, California $30
Another sparkling from Laetitia to explore is their Estate Cuvée, which blends the addition of the white grape Pinot Blanc to its Chardonnay and Pinot Noir base. I call it a “twice-the-price wine” because it over delivers on quality. This wine is also made in the classic method and is aged in the bottle for two years before release. It offers layers of complexity from the marriage of the three grapes. Pour yourself a glass and then appreciate the aromas of ripe lemon, juicy pear, and freshly baked bread (a typical aroma created by the aging process). It’s a stylish bubbly to pair with dishes from truffle-laced potato chips to pork loin.
2020 Laetitia Pinot Noir, Arroyo Grande Valley, California $30
For lovers of still wines versus sparkling ones, Laetitia offers expressive Pinot Noir. Pick up this wine and it overflows with aromas and flavors of ripe cherry with a touch of earthy elegance. Once you take a sip, the wine wraps your palate with silky smoothness. A flexible food pairing red, it goes with a wide range of dishes from grilled salmon to beef stew to roasted Portobello mushrooms.
Author, speaker, wine consultant, and television host Leslie Sbrocco is known for her entertaining approach to wine and food. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her work on PBS, which includes hosting the series “Check, Please! Bay Area” and “100 Days, Drinks, Dishes & Destinations.”
Published on May 5, 2022
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