Leo Steen 'Bubbles of Steen' Sparkling Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg, Lodi, California 2022

Bubbles of Steen is a long-imagined project finally brought to life in 2022—a sparkling Chenin Blanc crafted with the same passion and precision that define this winery’s still Chenins. Sourced from old vines in the Delta and produced entirely in the traditional method, this inaugural release captures freshness, fine texture, and the deeply expressive character of California-grown Chenin Blanc. Only 917 cases were produced.

WINEMAKER: LeoHansen

FARMING: Sustainable

VARIETY: 100% Chenin Blanc

TERROIR: From an old-vine Chenin Blanc block planted in 1979 in the Clarksburg AVA. These own-rooted vines grow in light, well-drained sandy soils along the Sacramento River Delta, benefiting from cooling breezes and a long growing season that preserves natural acidity.

HARVEST: Hand-harvested on August 16, 2022 at 18.6° Brix. The 2022 season was excellent in the upper Delta, and the old vines’ healthy canopies helped protect the fruit and retain acidity.

VINIFICATION: Whole-cluster pressed over a gentle five-hour cycle. Juice settled for 24 hours, then racked to neutral (10–12 year old) oak barrels for indigenous-yeast fermentation to complete dryness. Aged 10 weeks on lees before blending and preparing for tirage.

TRADITIONAL METHOD: Tirage bottling was completed at Rack & Riddle in Healdsburg using their state-of-the-art equipment. The wine aged 14 months sur lattes before disgorgement in December 2023. No dosage was added.

AGING: 14 months en tirage; bottled without dosage.

TASTING NOTES: Fresh and vibrant, opening with grapefruit, lemon zest, and toasted almond. The mousse is creamy and fine, with subtle toasty and nutty notes layered over apple, chamomile, and hints of bread dough. Crisp, dry, and finishing with lifted acidity.

FOOD PAIRINGS: Oysters, shellfish, sushi, cured meats, and truffle potato chips (the winemaker’s favorite pairing).