Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs (2023)

Blanc de Blancs was the first wine Schramsberg produced in 1965 and was America’s first commercially produced Chardonnay-based brut sparkling wine. Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs gained international recognition in 1972 when then President Nixon served the wine at the historic “Toast to Peace” in Beijing, China.

The Schramsberg style of Blanc de Blancs is dry and crisp. Small lots of barrel fermented wines, some of which complete malolactic fermentation, are added to stainless-steel fermented wines to create added complexity in the blended base wine. After undergoing a second fermentation in bottle, the wine then ages on its yeast lees for about two years prior to disgorgement. With its vibrant, fruitful and focused nature, this sparkling wine will maintain its freshness, structure and refined finish for many years, even decades following its initial release.

The 2023 Blanc de Blancs greets the nose with bright aromas of fresh apple, pineapple, lemon blossom, and Asian pear; with warm touches of lemon meringue, fresh bread, and pie crust. On the palate, clean acidity is driven by green apple, lemon zest, and limeade. Hints of lemon curd and sugar cookie support a juicy, quenching center, with a tangy and clean finish.

While this wine can be enjoyed by itself as an apéritif, it is also perfect with fresh oysters and other shellfish, crab cakes, ceviche and grilled sea bass. It is also delicious with lemon chicken and Thai curries. Serve with aged Gouda and other hard cheeses, or as a counterpoint to soft triple creams.

County composition:  68% Sonoma, 31% Napa, 0.5% Mendocino, 0.5% Marin