2021 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs Brut, California, USA

ABOUT THE WINE

Schramsberg pioneered Blanc de Noirs in the United States with their first release in 1967, and their commitment to excellence continues in this 2021 vintage. Crafted from 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay, sourced from cool-climate vineyards across Carneros, Anderson Valley, and the Sonoma Coast, the wine achieves a fine balance between depth and brightness.

The Pinot Noir base lends richness and red fruit character, while the touch of Chardonnay brings lift and finesse. Grapes are hand-harvested, whole-cluster pressed, and fermented in stainless steel and neutral barrels to build complexity without overt oakiness. The wine undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle (méthode traditionnelle) and is aged on the lees for about two years before disgorgement.

This Blanc de Noirs is dry in style (Brut), with energetic mousse and layered flavors—red berry fruit, toasted pastry, orange peel, and mineral undercurrents. It’s a versatile pairing for a wide range of foods: try it with smoked salmon, roast chicken, spicy tuna rolls, or a festive charcuterie board.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER

Schramsberg Vineyards, established in 1862 in Napa Valley, is a historic California estate that helped define American sparkling wine. Jack and Jamie Davies revived the property in the 1960s, becoming pioneers in producing méthode traditionnelle wines on par with the best of Champagne. Today, their son Hugh Davies continues the legacy, focusing on sourcing premium fruit from some of California’s most respected cool-climate vineyards.

Schramsberg’s winemaking philosophy blends Old World techniques with New World fruit purity, yielding sparkling wines with elegance, depth, and aging potential. Their Blanc de Noirs is a testament to Pinot Noir’s ability to deliver both structure and finesse in a sparkling format, and it remains a cornerstone of the estate’s lineup.