Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2013
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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: 63% Napa, 30% Sonoma, 4% Mendocino, 3% Marin
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Vintage Report
- Harvest Date(s): August 15-October 8
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Vinification
- Barrel Fermentation: 21%
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production (in cases): 36,050
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
- Available Formats: 750ml, 1.5L, 3L, 9L
- Alcohol: 12.7%
- TA: 0.90g/100ml
- p H: 3.11
- RS: 1.03g/100ml
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Tasting Notes
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The 2013 Blanc de Blancs has bright and fresh aromas of grapefruit, mango, apricot, lemon and white peach. The fruitful fragrance intermingles with hints of fresh bread, vanilla cream pie and rose petals. Freshly sliced Gravenstein apples, zesty citrus and bright pineapple flavors carry vibrant length on the palate. Keith Hock and Hugh Davies, Winemakers
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Images
Reviews
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2013 – 90 points – Burghound.com
“A pretty and well-layered nose consists of notes of green apple, citrus peel, floral and a hint of cider. There is good energy to the rich and relatively round flavors where the supporting mousse is generous but not particularly fine...”
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast – 2013 – 92 points, Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast Online
“Delicious lemon-meringue aromas make a great start for this medium-bodied Chardonnay-based wine. Flavors are lively, lemony, with baking-spice accents. A buttery, creamy element carries into the lingering, tangy finish.”