Scar of The Sea 'Topotero Vineyard' Rose of Pinot Noir Methode Ancestrale, San Luis Obispo County, California

Wild strawberry and coastal rose lift from the glass, carried by a fine stream of natural bubbles and a whisper of sea spray. Scar of The Sea Topotero Vineyard Rose of Pinot Noir Methode Ancestrale, San Luis Obispo County, California 2025 captures fruit grown just one mile from the Pacific Ocean, where wind and fog temper ripening and preserve vivid acidity. With Topotero Vineyard newly Demeter biodynamic certified in 2024 and farming now fully aligned with Mikey and Gina Giugni’s regenerative ethos, this 2025 release deepens the estate’s commitment to site-driven, hands-on sparkling wine.

Product Details:

• Producer: Scar of The Sea
  
• Owners & Winemakers: Mikey Giugni, Gina Giugni
• Vineyard: Topotero Vineyard
• Farming Practices: Demeter certified biodynamic as of 2024, regenerative farming, dry farmed most years
• Varietal: Pinot Noir
  
• Method: Methode Ancestrale
  
• Skin Contact: 2 hours before whole cluster press
  
• Fermentation: Native yeast in neutral French oak barrels
  
• Bottling: Bottled at end of primary fermentation to capture natural bubbles
  
• Lees Aging: 3 months in bottle before riddling and disgorgement
  
• Disgorgement: Riddled, disgorged, corked and caged by hand
  
• Production: 221 cases
• ABV: 12.0%

Sensory Description:

The 2025 vintage continues the delicacy and coastal energy shown in 2024, while reflecting the vineyard’s transition into certified biodynamic farming. The bubbles are fine and persistent, carrying aromas of wild strawberry, blood orange zest, and crushed raspberry layered with hibiscus, saline mist, and a faint herbal note reminiscent of coastal chaparral. Foot treading and brief skin contact lend a gentle phenolic grip and pale copper hue, while whole cluster pressing preserves clarity and lift. Fermentation in neutral oak builds subtle texture without imprinting flavor, allowing the cool-climate acidity to remain front and center. The palate is dry and incisive, with bright red fruit framed by chalky minerality and a lightly savory finish shaped by three months on lees. Compared with the 2024 vintage, which showed slightly broader mid-palate fruit and 12 barrels totaling 288 cases at 12% alcohol , the 2025 feels even more focused and small-lot in scale, its reduced 221 case production at 11% emphasizing precision and handwork.

Producer’s Background:

Established in 2012, Scar of The Sea is owned and operated by Mikey and Gina Giugni, who farm and vinify along the California Central Coast with native yeast, no adjustments, and unfiltered bottling. As noted on the 2024 technical sheet, their work has evolved from leasing small coastal sites to stewarding estate vineyards, including the nearby Bassi Vineyard in Avila Beach . Topotero Vineyard, a five-acre site sitting in an alluvial bowl near the ocean, has been a favorite source since 2019 and now stands as a biodynamically certified extension of their long-term coastal vision.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve well chilled at 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit in a tulip or all-purpose sparkling wine glass to highlight aromatics and texture. Pair with oysters, crudo, sushi, fresh goat cheese, or summer salads with citrus and herbs. Its bright acidity and subtle phenolic edge also make it an excellent partner for fried chicken or tempura vegetables.