Founded in 1862 by Jacob Schram, Schramsberg Vineyards is not only one of the great sparkling wine houses in the United States, it is also among the most storied. The California Historical Society designated it as an Official Historical Monument in 1957.
The winery is one of the great tours in The Napa Valley where hand stacked bottles line natural caves dug by Chinese laborers over a century ago. Schramsberg Winery stands proud as a romantic marriage of then and now.
The 2007 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs, meaning “White from Reds”, is a limited production wine made from pinot noir and pinot meunier, two of the three traditional varietals which make up Champagne. Flavors of strawberry, cashews, and bread dough ooze from this very special wine made from perhaps the greatest vintage in Northern California history.
I absolutely love this wine for a few reasons. First, every time I open a bottle I remember the first time I visited their historic property. The indelible visions of their Victorian home and more than a century old history come flowing back with every sip. 2nd, the processes Schramsberg uses harken back to a different era of Napa…one before limousines and publicly traded companies…err..wineries. As someone who has spent plenty of time in the Napa Valley, I’ve grown to love the wineries with true character, and ignore those who simply spend money in an attempt to create it.
So, the next time you are in the mood to sit back and relax with a sparkler, grab a 2007 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs. You’ll thank me for it.
Most important to remember, it is not what is in your glass, it is who you share it with. Great wine always pairs best with friends and family.
