Schramsberg Crémant Demi-sec is a delicate, off-dry sparkling wine: an American original. Crémant is French for “creamy” and traditionally refers to a wine with light effervescence. It has approximately half the pressure of Schramsberg’s other sparkling wines and presents a creamier texture with more exotic flavors. Schramsberg made California’s first Crémant in 1972. After rigorous study, Jack and Jamie Davies chose a unique California grape named Flora (a cross of Sémillon and Gewürztraminer developed at UC Davis) to be the core component of this sparkling wine. Flora unites the fruit-forward character of Gewürztraminer with the strength and depth of Sémillon. Aging on the yeast for about two years prior to disgorgement adds complexity, yet the wine will retain its youthful appeal for 20 years or more.

Schramsberg Crémant Demi-sec has been served at many State events, including President Reagan’s Second Inaugural Luncheon and President Clinton’s dinner for the prime minister of Canada. Most recently, the Crémant Demi-sec was served at a White House Dinner hosted by President Obama for Bilateral Chairpersons of the Congressional Committees.

The sweetness in Crémant is subtle, providing a fine balance with desserts, such as fruit tarts, poached fruits, light cakes, custards, exotic sorbets, gingerbread and crème brûlée. It also complements a wide range of spicy Asian foods, blue cheeses and matches especially well with foie gras.

The 2011 Crémant Demi-sec boasts tropical and citrus aromas of candied pineapple, guava and Mandarin orange, highlighted with notes of caramelized ginger and honey. The flavors on this sparkling wine are bright and refreshing on entry, with layers of pear nectar, apricot and mango. The palate is rich and tangy, with a viscous texture and a long, lingering finish. Keith Hock and Hugh Davies, Winemakers