Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2012
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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: 64% Napa, 27% Sonoma, 7% Mendocino, 2% Marin
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Vintage Report
- Harvest Date(s): August 29-October 9
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Vinification
- Barrel Fermentation: 15%
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production (in cases): 32,110 (12/750ml)
- Available Formats: 750ml, 1.5L, 3L, 9L
- Alcohol: 12.8%
- TA: 0.91g/100ml
- p H: 3.07
- RS: 1g/100ml
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Tasting Notes
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The 2012 Blanc de Blancs has bright and fresh aromas of grapefruit, lime, green apple and white apricot. The fragrance of fruit is complemented by hints of yeast, white flowers, spicy ginger and fresh honeycomb. The lime, tangerine and pear flavors are tart and refreshing on entry. The palate is crisp with long, lingering acidity. Winemakers Keith Hock and Hugh Davies
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Images
Reviews
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2012 – 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
“One of Schramsberg’s younger releases, and made from all white grapes, this wine has tantalizing aromas of vanilla, apple and light toast that lead to layered and creamy flavors. A nice brisk balance with good acidity underlies the spice and fruit."
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2012 – 92 points – The Wine Advocate
"… The 2012 shows loads of orange blossom notes, crisp green apple notes, a touch of caramelized grapefruit in a gorgeously fresh, medium-bodied, concentrated and delicious sparkling wine with tiny, pinpoint bubbles and a long, zesty finish ..."
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2012
Aromas of grapefruit, lime, green apple and apricot are complemented by hints of yeast, white flowers, ginger and honeycomb. The lime, tangerine and pear flavors are tart and refreshing on entry. The palate is crisp with long, lingering acidity.