Launched by three WSU Viticulture and Enology graduates in 2021, Tirriddis’ name is an amalgamate of Tirage, Riddle and Disgorge—the three key steps to produce sparkling wines using the traditional method. Although it can be said there is little else that falls under the category of “traditional” from the entrepreneurial-minded team of Andrew Gerow, Gabriel Crowell and Matthew Doutney.
These young guns are churning out small-batch sparkling wines with fresh eyes and daring new approaches, turning heads along the way. And they are making their own niche as they build upon their successes.
“It would be almost to easy to dismiss many grapes grown in Washington as simply not suitable for sparkling. In some cases, this might be true, but we are here to prove those sticking points,” says Gabriel Crowell, referring to the fact most traditional Champagne grapes are Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.
Gabriel and his partners want to break down those barriers. “These both make exceptional sparkling wines in Washington but why are we being comparative and not comprehensive?” adds Andrew Gerow.
“Tirriddis has a few notable examples which combat this thinking,” Matthew Doutney explains. “One of the most challenging wines for us to make is our Blanc de Gris. This sparkling wine is a ripe Pinot Gris sparkler that is waxy, tropical and savory. This wine is so hard to place in a category as it is like a rich Champagne in body but with floral aromas like a Prosecco.”
The sparkling wines we reviewed were solid to the core and without pretense, offering strong value and a distinct sense of craftsmanship and quality.
A visit to the Prosser tasting room is an education in itself, accompanied by bubbly flights and an opportunity to meet one (or more) of the winemakers.
“Wine by wine, we engage with our guests showing them step-by-step how sparkling wine is made using the traditional method,” says Gabriel.
Visit their tasting room at 2880 Lee Rd, Suite 3, Prosser WA; (509) 502-8576, open Thurs-Mon. Learn more at www.tirriddis.com.
Below are three releases we recently reviewed:
Tirriddis Blanc de Gris R.3
93 pts.
Displaying tons of personality, this combination of Pinot Gris (75%) and Chardonnay (25%) was fermented in concrete egg, then aged in neutral barrels. Fronted with frothy beads and steely minerality, there’s good weight backing alluring and complex flavors of zesty citrus, Golden Delicious apple, Jordan almonds and white chocolate notes. Finishes with exceptional length that keeps the intrigue going. $31
Tirriddis Brut Rosé R.2
92 pts.
Comprised of nearly equal parts Syrah, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, this energetic sparkler is driven by fine beads and deep mineral character, loaded with aromas and flavors of red raspberry, citrus, cider apple and crème fraiche. Sophisticated and refreshing. $27
Tirriddis Blanc de Blanc R.3
91 pts.
Chardonnay sourced from three distinct AVAs—Rattlesnake Hills, Wahluke Slope and Horse Heaven Hills—makes up this traditional method sparkling wine, bursting with fresh acidity backed with lemony-tinged D’anjou pear, Sunkist orange, lemon-lime and pastry dough mingled with stony minerality and green apple notes. $27