The Art of Sparkling | Kyle Altomare | Barrels and Roots

In this episode of Barrels and Roots, I sit down with winemaker Kyle Altomare from Gloria Ferrer for a conversation about sparkling wine, winemaking, mentorship, and the deeper craft behind making something truly memorable. We talk about what makes a glass of sparkling wine feel alive, why tension, personality, and balance matter so much, and how great wine keeps you coming back for another sip. Kyle shares how winemakers grow from mastering technique to learning how to let go, trust instinct, and create wines with soul instead of just technical perfection. We also get into food pairings, including why aged blanc de blancs with ribeye steak can be an elite match, and why sparkling wine deserves way more respect at the table. Beyond wine itself, this episode explores the role of community, leadership, mentorship, creativity, and how tradition can evolve without losing its identity. This is a conversation about sparkling wine, yes, but also about craftsmanship, curiosity, and what it means to create something that brings people joy and stays with them long after the glass is empty. What is one bottle, or even one meal, that stayed with you because it felt truly memorable?