White Sturgeon, Tsar Nicoulai
Acipenser transmontanus
Tsar Nicoulai's flagship Sacramento Delta white sturgeon — amber-toned, buttery, and rare enough to impress. Selected for maximum grain size and extended maturation. Now the combined entity's premium tier following the December 2024 acquisition of Sterling Caviar, making Tsar Nicoulai the largest caviar producer in the US. Solar-powered, ASC-certification-targeted, and first sturgeon farm to use aquaponics.
Approachable and creamy; pairs well with a brunch service or canapé spread. The slight fruity note complements egg-based accompaniments.
Pairings
- Champagne
- California sparkling, Brut NV Champagne
- Wine
- Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
- Spirits
- Chilled vodka
Production
- Source
- farmed
- Producer
- Tsar Nicoulai Caviar (Wilton, California; acquired Sterling Caviar Dec 2024 — now largest US producer)
- Processing
- malossol
- Grade
- estate
Legal & sourcing
Farmed white sturgeon; fully legal in the US. Tsar Nicoulai acquired Sterling Caviar in December 2024. Pursuing ASC certification — first sturgeon farm to do so.
CITES Appendix II — international trade requires documentation. Wild harvest is banned; all commercial product is farmed.
A California staple with a faintly fruity note — well-suited for catering and events.