Drink of the Week: Broc Cellars 2020 Love Sparkling Chenin Blanc

I am not typically a bottle saver. I usually opt to enjoy something as soon as possible, rather than sitting on it until a special occasion presents itself. But when I recently had a bottle of Broc Cellars new Love Sparkling Chenin Blanc in my fridge, I resisted temptation for two full weeks because I knew it would taste even better when shared with my food-and-drink-loving best friend who was visiting from out of town. We prepared an extravagant dinner of pistachio-crusted halibut, popped open the bottle, and sure enough—magic.

The 2020 Love Sparkling Chenin Blanc is the first bubbly entrant for Berkeley winery Broc Cellars’ Love label. Made with Chenin Blanc sourced from the Shell Creek vineyard in Paso Robles, the grapes were pressed and left on the skins overnight then fermented in stainless steel and bottled for a second fermentation in the pét-nat (pétillant naturel) method. The result is a gentle fizz that carries bright aromas and flavors of passion fruit with a hint of oceanic salinity, followed by a dreamy, creamy finish. It was the perfect wine for the perfect meal with the perfect company. Though, it could be argued that anytime you get to enjoy a delicious bottle of wine is the perfect time. $25, broccellars.com