Nose
The relatively cool growing season of 2005 gives us a Blanc de Noirs with alluring flavors of sweet ginger, white gooseberry, and a dollop of mandarin orange. Aromas of peach melba and toasted almond introduce subtle hints of fresh raspberry and Bing cherry.
Palate
The luscious mid palate entices with bright acidity and depth followed by an elegant balanced finish.
Growing Conditions
The key to producing this complex Blanc de Noirs is Schramsberg’s vast and varied focus on diverse cool-climate vineyards. Pinot Noir from Carneros and Anderson Valley combine with fruit from low-yielding Sonoma and Marin coastal vineyards to develop a sparkling wine with a breadth of fruitful aroma and flavor. Select Chardonnay lots give zest and backbone to the blend.
County Composition: 37% Mendocino, 34% Sonoma, 28% Napa, 1% Marin
Winemaking
Making a white wine from a red grape requires great care—hand-picked fruit, early morning harvest, optimal fruit maturity and delicate pressing. A balance of bright flavors, crisp acidity and minimal tannins is achieved. Barrel and malolactic fermentation of particular lots add richness and body. Two years of yeast contact in the bottle harmonizes all the elements together in a mature, toasty style. The youthful fruit character of the wine will caramelize and soften with additional age in the bottle. With proper storage, this sparkling wine will be delicious for many years, even a couple of decades to come.
Barrel Fermentation: 23%
Food Pairing
Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs is particularly well-suited to serve with a variety of foods, including soft and nutty cheeses, macadamia nut-crusted halibut and pork tenderloin with fresh rosemary and lemon thyme.
