Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2010
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Introduction
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The “Blanc de Blancs,” or “white from white,” made from Chardonnay is the counterpart to the “Blanc de Noirs,” or “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 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.
While this wine can be enjoyed by itself as an apéritif, it is also perfect with 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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Vineyard Profile
- Appellation: North Coast
- County Composition: 60% Napa, 37% Sonoma, 2% Marin, 1% Mendocino
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Vintage Report
- Harvest Date(s): August 31-November 3
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Vinification
- Barrel Fermentation: 23%
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production (in cases): 25,331 (12/750ml)
- Available Formats: 750ml, 1.5L, 3L, 9L
- Alcohol: 12.5%
- TA: 0.92g/100ml
- p H: 3.10
- RS: 1.2g/100ml
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Tasting Notes
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The 2010 Blanc de Blancs opens with fresh aromas of green apple, juicy pineapple and ripe grapefruit. The fruitful nose is complemented by developed nuances of fresh-baked brioche and lemon tart. Bright flavors of grapefruit, lime and pineapple are accented by a slight minerality on the finish. The palate is crisp on entry, with a long, tangy and refreshing acidity. Winemakers Keith Hock and Hugh Davies
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Images
Reviews
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2010 – Steven Spurrier Recommends – Decanter
"The Davies family is still running this Napa estate; a vintage of this wine was served in Beijing as a 'Toast to Peace' by US President Nixon. The 2010 has a lovely green apple and brioche nose, lively creaminess and an elegant finish."
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2010 – French Toast with Sparkling Chardonnay – Wine Spectator
"...Wine Spectator recommends pairing with the Schramsberg Brut Blanc de Blancs North Coast 2010 (91 points)."
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2010 – 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
"Made from 100% Chardonnay, this sparkling wine is absolutely delicious to drink now. It has vanilla, cream, lemon, lime and yeast flavors, accented with crisp acidity, and the bubble mousse is soft and fine."
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2010 – 91 points – Wine Spectator
“Enticing aromas of Asian pear and spiced cinnamon lead to rich, layered flavors of lemon curd, mineral and fresh almond.”