Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2011
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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: 52% Napa, 40% Sonoma, 7% Mendocino, 1% Marin
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Vintage Report
- Harvest Date(s): September 5-November 3
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Vinification
- Barrel Fermentation: 26%
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production (in cases): 24,898 (12/750ml)
- Available Formats: 750ml, 1.5L, 3L, 9L
- Alcohol: 12.5%
- TA: 1.01g/100ml
- p H: 3.07
- RS: 1.16g/100ml
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Tasting Notes
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The 2011 Blanc de Blancs has fresh aromas of green apple, pear, grapefruit and lime zest. The fruitful nose is complemented by developed nuances of candied citrus and “fresh-from-the-oven” bread. Generous flavors of grapefruit, lime and pineapple are present in this wine. 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 – 2011 – Gold Star – Santé Magazine
“Aromas of fresh pear, peach, and lemon, over limestone minerals and a note of spice. Clean palate of grapefruit, green melon, white peach, and pineapple, with pleasing toasted yeast hints. Clean and bright finish. Delicious.”
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2011 – Your Holiday Sipping Strategy: Champagne Cocktails – The Wall Street Journal
"...Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs: Mr. Campanale often goes for this as a substitute for Champagne. 'It has the same complex yeasty notes and bright acidity,' he said."
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2011 – Top 100 wines 2014 – San Francisco Chronicle
"The cool year brought a particular precision to this beloved effort from the Davies family to a wine it has produced since 1965. There’s a crunchy mineral aspect to the Chardonnay to balance the wheat toast, hazelnut, and warm pear flavors."
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2011 – 92 points – Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine
"...elements of minerals and chalk in the delicate, lightly yeasty aromas of this lively young sparkler, and the wine delivers as promised in the mouth with sleek and fairly elegant flavors that show an extra measure of richness."