Philosophy

Domaine Chandon has been farming Carneros Pinot Noir for over 30 years. Best known as a sparkling house, we fist created still wine Pinot Noir from our 800-acre ranch in 1996 to demonstrate this grape's contribution to a sparkling blend. Over time, we have identified and developed select parcels that consistently produce the highest quality fruit specifically for a still wine program.

L'argile, French for "the clay" pays tribute to our heritage and refers to the clay-dominated soils that characterize the Carneros region and contribute to this wine's concentration and complexity.

Tasting Notes

The vibrant aromas of this wine reveal complex layers of sage, dried strawberry, raspberry and cranberry. Rich flavors of blackberry, dried strawberry, cardamom and cedar linger while a hidden accent of orange zest is revealed in the finish. The luxuriously silky tannins suggest the potential for this wine to age with elegance for 3-5 years.

Food and Wine Pairing

Grilled salmon on a cedar plank would be a splendid match with this Pinot Noir. Or try this wine paired with a seared duck breast topped with a reduction sauce of blackberries and orange zest served alongside spiced sweet potatoes.