From Sparrow’s sparkling and Champagne list, the Lightning Rock Sparkling is a beautifully made bubbly for fans of dry, traditional-method sparkling wine with real character ($93 by the bottle).
About Lightning Rock Sparkling
This sparkling wine is made from Pinot Noir in the classic Champagne style, meaning it undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle, the same traditional method used in Champagne itself. Lightning Rock is a boutique estate in Summerland, in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, known for low-intervention winemaking and a strong focus on traditional-method sparkling wines from estate-grown Pinot Noir. Working at a small scale, the winery puts a real emphasis on its bubbles, aging the wine slowly on its lees to build complexity and texture before release. About half of Lightning Rock’s production is dedicated to sparkling wine, so this is a house that takes its bubbles seriously rather than treating them as an afterthought. The result is a sparkling wine that feels handcrafted and distinctive, the product of cool-climate Pinot Noir grown on the steep slopes above Okanagan Lake. It is a lovely choice when you want something a little off the beaten path on the Eastside while still honoring the classic method that Champagne made famous.
Tasting Notes
Per the menu, the nose is fresh and floral with subtle yeasty notes, a hint of that toasty, bread-like character that traditional-method sparkling does so well. The palate expresses tart berries and a touch of menthol that amplifies the wine’s overall fresh and floral feel. It is crisp, lively, and built around energy rather than sweetness.
What to Pair It With
A dry, lively sparkler is a wonderful all-rounder. From the Sparrow menu, enjoy it with Fresh Oysters, the Tuna Tartare, the Scallops and Prosciutto, or the Mussels and Sausages. It is also a great pour for weekend brunch out on the patio.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Lightning Rock Sparkling made?
It is made from Pinot Noir in the classic Champagne style, with a second fermentation in the bottle (the traditional method). Lightning Rock is a boutique estate in Summerland, British Columbia, focused on traditional-method sparkling wines.
How much is Lightning Rock Sparkling at Sparrow in Kirkland?
Lightning Rock Sparkling is $93 by the bottle at Sparrow in Kirkland, on our sparkling and Champagne list.
How should I serve Lightning Rock Sparkling?
Serve it well chilled to showcase its fresh, floral nose and crisp, tart-berry palate. As a dry, traditional-method sparkler it is a wonderful all-rounder, great as an aperitif or across a meal, and a fine pour for weekend brunch.
Where can I drink Lightning Rock Sparkling near Seattle?
Sparrow carries this boutique British Columbia bubbly by the bottle in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood, on the Eastside just across Lake Washington from Seattle. Open a bottle in the dining room, in the 21+ lounge, or on the four-season patio.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu near the Veuve Clicquot and the Louis Armand Champagne. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come celebrate.