Nose
Generous fruitful aromas of peach compote, mandarin orange, and pear blossom, which develop with hints of caramel and toasted brioche.
Palate
The palate is fruitful and complex, with flavors of red apple, plum, and grapefruit supported by hints of almond and cardamon. Crisp on entry, the wine lingers with a persistent yet balanced acidity. It is ready to enjoy upon release, but will surely age beautifully for another two decades or more to come.
Growing Conditions
The "Extra Brut" is produced for the growing number of sparkling enthusiasts who on occasion enjoy a very, very dry sparkling wine. These sparkling wines are finished with a dosage of between 0.3 - 0.6 g/100ml of residual sugar, about half that of the omnipresent "Brut" offerings.A progression towards a drier "Brut" has occurred in the sparkling wine world in the past two decades as producers have been able to develop brighter intensity of fruit flavor in the grapes that they grow. This transition has absolutely happened at Schramsberg, where cooler climate vineyards have produced grapes with not only higher acidity, but also riper Pinot Noir and Chardonnay characteristics.
County Composition: 38% Sonoma, 29% Marin, 21% Mendocino, 12% Napa
Winemaking
Barrel Fermentation 28%
Food Pairing
This opulent and racy style will match extraordinarily well on the raw side with caviar and ceviche, but will also pair perfectly on the cooked side with smoked oysters, mushroom tarts, and veal picatta. A simple antipasto sampling with prosciutto, sopresatta, gouda, pecorino, artichoke heart, and cured olives will also shine alongside.