A Bold Idea for Oregon

Oregon's Willamette Valley grows world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, the same grapes behind Champagne. Andy Lytle and Antony Beck believed that fruit could make sparkling wine to rival anything from France, made the way the French make vintage Champagne. Antony's family runs Graham Beck, one of South Africa's leading sparkling wine houses, and the name Lytle-Barnett combines Andy's surname with Antony's mother's maiden name. Their first vintage was 2013. For anyone looking to buy American sparkling wine online, Lytle-Barnett is one of Oregon's most serious producers.

A Global Winemaking Team

Lytle-Barnett uses a rare dual-winemaker approach. Pieter Ferreira, Graham Beck's longtime cellar master and one of South Africa's sparkling wine pioneers, works alongside Oregon sparkling specialist Andrew Davis. That combination of international experience and local knowledge shapes every bottle.

The Eola-Amity Hills

Early vintages drew on fruit from across the Willamette Valley, but the focus is now the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Afternoon winds from the Pacific through the Van Duzer Corridor cool the vineyards, and volcanic and marine soils give bright acidity and fine structure, ideal for sparkling wine. Fruit comes from respected vineyards in the AVA.

Patience in the Bottle

Every Lytle-Barnett wine is vintage-dated and made in the méthode champenoise, with the second fermentation in bottle. Following Champagne's example, the wines age on their lees for at least three years, often longer, before release. The Brut Rosé blends Pinot Noir with Chardonnay from the Eola-Amity Hills, offering red cherry, strawberry, citrus and brioche with fine bubbles and a long, elegant finish. With extra bottle age, it gains savory, toasty depth.

Why Lytle-Barnett Matters Today

The founders' stated goal is to raise the tide for all Oregon sparkling wine, proving the region belongs on the world stage. For customers of Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, this Brut Rosé is a chance to taste small-production, vintage American sparkling wine with the craftsmanship of fine Champagne.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Who founded Lytle-Barnett?

Andy Lytle and Antony Beck of South Africa's Graham Beck winery.

2. Where does the name come from?

It combines Andy Lytle's surname with Barnett, Antony Beck's mother's maiden name.

3. Who makes the wine?

Pieter Ferreira of Graham Beck and Oregon winemaker Andrew Davis.

4. Where are the vineyards?

In the Eola-Amity Hills AVA of Oregon's Willamette Valley.

5. What grapes are in the Brut Rosé?

Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with Pinot Noir in the lead. Proportions vary by vintage.

6. How long is it aged?

Lytle-Barnett ages its wines at least three years in bottle on the lees before release.

7. What is méthode champenoise?

The traditional Champagne method, where the second fermentation that creates the bubbles happens in the bottle.

8. What was the first vintage?

2013.

9. What does it taste like?

Red cherry, strawberry and citrus with brioche, toasty notes and fine bubbles.

10. What food pairs with Lytle-Barnett Brut Rosé?

• Seafood: Salmon, Dungeness crab, oysters
  
• Poultry: Duck, roast chicken
  
• Starters: Charcuterie, mushroom tarts
  
• Cheese: Brie, Gruyère, aged Gouda
  

11. Can it age further?

Yes. Vintage sparkling wines like this continue to develop toasty, savory complexity for several years.

12. Why the Eola-Amity Hills?

Cool afternoon winds and well-drained soils keep acidity high, ideal for sparkling wine.

13. How should I serve it?

Chill to about 45 to 50°F and serve in a tulip or white wine glass.

14. Where can I buy Lytle-Barnett online?

You can buy it at Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, specializing in fine sparkling wine and small-production American wine, with shipping to California and select states.