Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2016
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Introduction
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Blanc de Blancs (white from white), made from Chardonnay, is the counterpart to the Blanc de Noirs (white from black), made from Pinot Noir. 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 malolactic- and barrel-fermented wines are added for complexity. The wine is aged on the yeast lees in the bottle for almost two years prior to disgorgement. With its vibrant, fruitful and crisp nature, this sparkling wine will maintain its freshness, structure and refined finish for many years, even decades, following its initial release.
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Vineyard Profile
- Appellation: North Coast
- County Composition: 70% Napa, 29% Sonoma, 1% Marin
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Vintage Report
- Harvest Date(s): August 10 ‑ September 27, 2016
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Vinification
- Barrel Fermentation: 25%
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production (in cases): 33,290
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
- Available Formats: 375ml, 750ml, 1.5L, 3L, 9L
- Alcohol: 12.3%
- TA: 9.3 g/l
- p H: 3.14
- RS: 10.0 g/l
- Release Date: January 17, 2019
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Tasting Notes
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“This 2016 Blanc de Blancs has bright aromas of ripe green apple, Bosc pear, sweet spice and buttered brioche, which intermingle with hints of fresh ginger, stone fruit and coriander. Honeycrisp apple, grilled lemon and orange peel bring fruitful notes to the mid-palate, ending with a clean crisp acidity that’s punctuated with caramelized and tropical flavors.” – Winemakers Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies
- Serving Suggestions: While this wine can be enjoyed by itself as an apéritif, it is 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 or other hard cheeses, and as a counterpoint to soft triple creams.
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Images
Reviews
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Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2016 – The Wine Advocate – 90 Points
The nose of the 2016 Blanc de Blancs is bright and fresh, with scents of quince peel, red apples, floral perfume, brioche and a nutty undercurrent. The light-bodied palate is dry with energetic mousse and a nice balance of mineral and tirage character, finishing with fantastic freshness. 36,209 cases produced. The Blanc de Blancs was the first cuvée Schramsberg produced, in 1965.
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Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2016 – Wine & Spirits – 90 Points
The Davies family has been making sparkling wine for 50 years, and this Blanc de Blancs has become their flagship. It’s 100 percent chardonnay and this vintage is firm and clean, with clarity to its pale, juicy apple fruit and savory, chalk-like notes from aging on the lees. Refreshing to drink on its own or with any shellfish.
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Schramsberg Vineyards Blanc de Blancs Brut, North Coast — 2016 – James Suckling – 93 Points
A dense and layered white with cooked apples, pears and praline. Full body. Plenty of fruit flavor. Fresh and vivid. Vinous and fun. Yet, serious at the end. Drink now.
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Schramsberg Vineyards Brut Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2016 – Wine Spectator – 91 Points
Sleek, with pinpoint focus offering harmonious Meyer lemon, candied almond and fresh ginger flavors that fan out on the crisp finish. Drink now.