2021 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs

The 2021 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs is a distinguished sparkling wine crafted predominantly from Pinot Noir grapes, showcasing the winery’s expertise in producing complex and medium-bodied sparkling wines.

Tasting Notes

• Aromas: Enticing scents of bright citrus, pineapple, raspberry, and cherry, harmoniously blended with hints of toasted nuts and puff pastry.
• Flavors: The palate offers a tart and tangy entry, featuring notes of Cara Cara orange, nectarine, and peach, intertwined with a touch of almond cookie.
• Texture: Vibrant acidity supports a long, quenching finish, making it both lush and lively.

Food Pairings

This versatile sparkling wine pairs well with a variety of dishes:

• Seafood: Macadamia nut-crusted halibut or seared day boat scallops.
• Poultry: Pork tenderloin seasoned with fresh rosemary and lemon thyme.
• Cheeses: Soft and nutty varieties that complement the wine’s creamy texture.

Vineyard Technical Specifications

• Varietal Composition: 82% Pinot Noir, 18% Chardonnay.
• County Composition: 60% Sonoma, 17% Marin, 15% Mendocino, 8% Napa.
• Appellation: North Coast.
• Harvest Dates: August 12 – September 17, 2021.
• Barrel Fermentation: 19%.
• Alcohol Content: 12.8%.
• Total Acidity: 0.82 g/100 mL.
• pH Level: 3.13.
• Residual Sugar: 0.90 g/100 mL.
• Release Date: April 1, 2024.
• Cases Produced: 9,900 (9-liter cases).

Winemaking Notes

Producing a white sparkling wine from dark-skinned grapes requires meticulous care. Hand-picked fruit, early morning harvests, optimal maturity, and delicate pressing are essential to achieve a balance of bright fruit, crisp acidity, and minimal tannins. Select wine lots undergo barrel and malolactic fermentation to add richness and body. Extended yeast contact in the bottle harmonizes all elements, allowing the youthful fruit character to develop and soften with age.

The 2021 growing season began with cool temperatures and minimal rainfall, transitioning into warm summer months. Hot days and cool nights facilitated steady ripening. A few heat spikes in late August encouraged deep root development, resulting in highly concentrated fruit with a beautiful balance of generous acidity.

The 2021 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs is crafted to be enjoyed upon release but also possesses the structure to age gracefully, offering continued enjoyment for many years.