Description

Schramsberg Crémant Demi-Sec North Coast 2019

• Introduction

  • The Schramsberg Crémant Demi-sec is a delicate, off-dry sparkling wine: an American original. Crémant is French for “creamy” and traditionally refers to a wine with light effervescence. It has approximately two-thirds the pressure of our other sparkling wines and presents a creamier texture with vibrant fruit flavors. Schramsberg made its first Crémant in 1972. After rigorous study, Jack and Jamie Davies chose a unique California grape named Flora (a cross of Sémillon and Gewürztraminer developed at UC Davis) to be the core component of this sparkling wine. Flora unites the fruitful spice of Gewürztraminer with the strength, depth and minerality of Sémillon. Aging on the yeast for 2.5 years prior to disgorgement adds complexity, yet the wine will retain its youthful appeal for 20 years or more.Schramsberg Crémant Demi-sec has been served at many U.S. State events, including President Reagan’s Second Inaugural Luncheon and President Obama’s White House Dinner for China’s President Jinping. Most recently, the Crémant Demi-sec was served at President Trump’s White House dinner honoring French President Macron.

• Vineyard Profile

  • Appellation: Napa Valley
  • County Composition: 100% Napa

• Vintage Report

  • The 2019 growing season started off with lots of winter rain and cold temperatures. Mild conditions continued throughout the summer with an occasional heat wave allowing the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. The 2019 vintage was a high-quality and relatively large-yielding vintage, with balanced acidity and superb flavors.
  • Harvest Date(s): August 20 – September 20, 2019

• Vinification

  • Barrel Fermentation: 21%

• Technical Information

  • Varietal Composition: 55% Flora, 26% Chardonnay, 19% Pinot Noir
  • Alcohol: 13.1%
  • TA: 7.0 g/L
  • p H: 3.13
  • RS: 4.2 g/L

• Tasting Notes

  • “The 2019 Crémant welcomes tantalizing aromas of lemon zest, pear, candied apple and nectarine, which are complemented with notes of ginger, elderflower, pound cake and Key lime pie. The palate presents bright flavors, including white peach, buttered pear, and juicy orange, with layers of vanilla pudding and white chocolate supporting a plush center and tangy finish.”
    – Winemakers: Sean Thompson, Jessica Koga and Hugh Davies
  • Serving Suggestions: The sweetness in Crémant is subtle, providing a fine balance with desserts, such as fruit tarts, poached fruits, light cakes, custards, exotic sorbets, gingerbread and crème brûlée. It also compliments a wide range of spicy Asian foods, blue cheeses and matches especially well with foie gras.