Blanc de Blancs, North Coast — 2020
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Introduction
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Blanc de Blancs (white from whites), made from Chardonnay, is the counterpart to the Blanc de Noirs (white from blacks), 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 barrel fermented wines, some of which complete malolactic fermentation, are added to the stainless-steel fermented wines to create added complexity in the blended base wine. After undergoing a second fermentation in bottle, the wine then ages on its yeast lees for about two years prior to disgorgement. With its vibrant, fruitful and focused 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: 56% Napa, 44% Sonoma
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Vintage Report
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The 2020 growing season was preceded by a dry, mild winter. Bud break began earlier than normal and crop yields were light, which led to an early harvest start. Cool and moderate summer conditions gave way to heat spells and forest fires through August and September. Our team worked through these challenges to produce a delicious array of sparkling wines.
- Harvest Date(s): August 6 - September 11, 2020
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Vinification
- Barrel Fermentation: 23%
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 12.5%
- TA: 8.6 g/L
- p H: 3.20
- RS: 9.0 g/L
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Tasting Notes
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“The 2020 Blanc de Blancs has captivating aromas of Granny Smith apple, tangerine and lemon-lime, complemented with layers of apple custard and apple tart. Flavors of fresh grapefruit, white peach, and golden apple anchor the palate, which follows with hints of ginger and vanilla chiffon. This bottling’s finish is crisp, refreshing, and mouthwatering, in the long-established Schramsberg tradition.” —Winemakers Sean Thompson, Jessica Koga and Hugh Davies
- Serving Suggestions: While this wine can be enjoyed by itself as an apéritif, it is also 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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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast — 2020 – Jancis Robinson – 16.5 Points
“Pale lemon in colour. Brioche and lemon. High acidity balancing a soft, creamy mouthfeel and lengthy finish.”
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Blanc de Blancs, North Coast — 2020 – Wine Spectator – 90 Points
"Handsomely structured, with appealing apple and citrus flavors highlighted by yeast roll and spice notes. Expands on the polished finish."