2018 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs Salmanazar (1 x 9L)

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.

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.

The long growing season in 2018 revealed a vintage with concentration without being overripe. Despite a warm February, the growing season started off cooler than the past few vintages. A cool spring meant bloom lasted longer than usual, which resulted in a bountiful crop. Summer temperatures were moderate with fewer heat spikes than in recent years. Veraison started later as well, and as a result, harvest started two to three weeks later than in recent years. The resulting fruit exhibited exceptional with depth of flavor noticeable brightness.

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Tasting notes

The 2018 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs has bright aromas of fresh apples, lemon-lime and warm wheat toast, intermingled with hints of baked pineapple and toasted almonds. Its vibrant flavors of Meyer lemon and Granny Smith apples bring a nice tartness to the mid-palate, leading to a clean, bright finish.- Winemakers Jessica Koga, Sean Thompson and Hugh Davies

Reviews

93 Points - Editors' Choice
Combining fruitiness with leesy complexity and an elegant texture, this luxurious wine gives the taste buds plenty to explore, from a doughy, lemony aroma to intricate flavors of white peach, lemon zest, Pippin apple and cookie dough. A brisk but rich bead of bubbles is satisfying and refreshing at the same time.- Wine Enthusiast, November 2021
93 Points
Sumptuous yet vibrant and fresh, displaying elegantly layered Meyer lemon, star fruit and fresh ginger flavors that turn steely on the long finish.- Wine Spectator, April 2022
92 Points
This white gold colored sparkling wine from Schramsbergopens lots of fine bead streaming bubbles. We detectedbread dough and fresh lemon on the nose with hints ofwhite tea, green apple, and florals. On the palate, this wineis light bodied and had pleasant medium crispy aciditythat is balanced and even feels creamy. The flavor profile issimilar to the nose, leading with lemon, stony mineralityand white tea. There are also notes of almonds, greenapple, and brioche in the blend. The finish is dry andrefreshing. The Panel would pair this sparkler with chickenfrancese, pheasant, or chicken piccata.- Ken's Wine Guide, October 2021

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