In 1965, Jack and Jamie Davies established Schramsberg on property originally owned by Jacob
Schram, setting out to make world class sparkling wine to rival the prestige and quality of French
Champagne. Their son Hugh now manages the estate, which is located in Napa Valley's Diamond
Mountain District, totaling 220 acres with 50 acres under vine. Its historic caves, which cover 30,000
square feet, were dug in the 1880s. Schramsberg produces limited quantities of traditionally hand crafted
sparkling wines from grapes grown in many cool climate vineyards throughout the North Coast. They are
unique among California sparkling wine houses in that they barrel ferment 25% of their juice to produce
rich, flavorful, complex wines. A world class winery and recognized leader in the California wine industry,
Schramsberg produces America's finest sparkling wines which have been served proudly at state
functions at the White House and abroad for decades.
| Tasting notes |
| Lively
aromas of guava and fresh peach. Flavors of Rainier cherry and fresh watermelon, followed by baked
orange and fresh sourdough bread. Lingering finish with snappy acidity. |
| Technical notes |
| (91% Pinot Noir/9% Chardonnay). Barrel fermentation (27%) and malolactic of particular wine lots add
richness and body. Yeast contact in the bottle harmonizes all the elements in a mature, toasty style. |
| Other text |
| Hugh Johnson wrote in his Picket Encyclopedia of Wine: "Schramsberg*** a dedicated specialist: California’s
best sparkling. "Blanc de Noirs outstanding.” The 1992 Blanc de Noirs won a gold medal at the World Wine
Championships; the 1996 and 1997 both won gold medals at the Orange County Fair. |
