One of our standbys for high-quality, locally-sourced,
reasonably-priced bubbles is Schramsberg. Schramsberg stands out, with a few others, as a producer that doesn't merely mimic the method of Champagne (Methode Champenoise), but actually approach or equal the quality of houses from sparkling wines place of birth.
As in France, under the Methode, wine is fermented and aged in bottle, stored in natural caves, and hand riddled (rotated to allow the sediment to settle in the bottle as it ages). The labor and capital intensive efforts deliver some outstanding wines, and there are two that
consistently stand out for price-to-value. Their Blanc De Blancs and
their Blanc De Noirs.
Expert
Tip: While the literal translation from french is "white of whites" and
"white of blacks" respectively, the only thing you need to know to demonstrate your
wine expertise is that Des Blancs (meaning "of white") is made entirely
from Chardonnay grapes, while Des Noirs is made from Pinot Noir.
Wine: Schramsberg Blanc De Blancs (Vintage 2008)
Notes: Foamy mouse (bubbles) with medium to large bead. Notes of tight citrus and sourdough starter / bread dough. Crisp, clean, angular, semi-sharp taste with pronounced acidity (that's where the sharpness comes from) which backs away a bit as the wine opens up in the mouth with lemon-lime-tangerine citrus notes and a touch of cream. Very fresh, very clean, very tart-dry. Fresh, vibrant acidity matches the wine's natural effervescence. A perfect fit for those that like it dry.
Sells For: $38 Drinks Like: $45-60
Where to score it: K&L, BevMo & other many specialty wine shops.
Wine: Schramsberg Blanc De Noirs (Vintage 2007)
Notes: Same bubbles. Dry nose has a note of the wine peeking through the bread dough, a hint of the red fruit. A touch softer in the mouth on entry with the light lushness, the roundness, gained from the pinot noir. Acidity presents more at mid-palate with notes of bright cherry and sweet plum appearing late, adding a note of fruitiness to an otherwise dry and sharp wine. Still a great wine for those searching for dry, as it is certainly that, but with a round softening that might bring in some folks for the slightly-sweeter camps.
Sells For: $38 Drinks Like: $38-50
Where to score it: K&L, BevMo & other many specialty wine shops.
Contact Ben Narisin at sfoodieben@gmail.com . Follow us on Twitter: @sfoodie, and like us on Facebook.
