Third-generation German sparkling wine producer Hanns Kornell established Hanns Kornell Champagne Cellars in Napa Valley in 1958, beginning with Riesling grapes and later with Pinot Noir. His daughter carries on the tradition, having launched Paula Kornell Sparkling Wine with a California Brut and Napa Valley Blanc de Noirs in 2019.
Paula Kornell Sparkling Wines
The Paula Kornell Sparkling California Brut made its debut in 2017 and soon earned the #5 spot in Wine Enthusiast’s Top Wines of 2020. Made predominantly from Chardonnay with a percentage of Pinot Noir, the grapes that go into the wine are certified sustainable.
Pair it with my Napa Valley Blanc de Noirs from Mitsuko’s Vineyard, a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, awarded 90 points recently from wine critic Lisa Perrotti-Brown in The Wine Independent, who said, "the palate has impressive vivacity with fine, frothy bubbles."