Founded in 1862, Schramsberg Vineyards has established itself as one of the premier sparkling wine producers in the United States. Located in Calistoga, California in the Napa Valley region, Schramsberg is renowned for its Blanc de Noirs style of sparkling wine made primarily from Pinot Noir grapes. The vineyard produces a series of sparkling wines using the same method as Champagne, resulting in complex and medium-bodied wines with a long aging potential.
Schramsberg is credited with pioneering Blanc de Noirs style in the US, producing the first commercial American sparkler of this type back in 1967. Over five decades later, Schramsberg continues to be a leader in American sparkling wine production, crafting some of the best sparklers on the market today. Their expertise and craftsmanship are evident in every bottle they produce – from teir Brut Reserve and Vintage Brut to their Blanc de Blancs and J. Schram Rosé.
The Brut Reserve is a classic blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes harvested from several vineyards acrss California's North Coast region. It offers intense aromas of apples, pears and citrus fruits that lead into a palate full of stone fruits and almonds. The finish is lively and refreshing with good acidity that leaves you wanting more!
The Vintage Brut is made from estate-grown grapes with blend variations dependent on weather conditions each year which makes it truly unique every vintage! This elegant wine displays aromas of crisp green apples and lemon zest folowed by flavors of honeydew melon and wildflowers on the palate before finishing off with notes of white pepper and dried herbs.
The Blanc de Blancs is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes grown on select Napa Valley vineyards producing an exquisite sparkler with bright aromas of white flowers, fresh pineapple and crème brûlée that lead into a creamy palate full of citrus fruits, peach skin and baked bread notes bfore ending on a lingering buttery finish.
Finally, Schramsberg's J. Schram Rosé is truly soething special crafted exclusively from estate-grown Pinot Noir grapes since 1982! This gorgeous rosé exhibits aromas of ripe strawberries balanced by hints of red apples followed by flavors reminiscent of black cherries, pink grapefruit zest and wildflowers before finishing off with subtle notes of hazelnuts and spice.
Each bottle produced at Schramsberg Vineyards showcases their expertise in crafting some America's most sought-after sparkling wines for over 150 years now! With more than 30+ years potential for aging withn your cellar these wines are sure to bring you joy for many years to come!
Types of Wine Produced by Schramsberg
Schramsberg is a brut sparkling wine made primarily with the red grape Pinot Noir. This complex and medium-bodied sparkler brought fame to the United States when it became the first commercial American Blanc de Noirs in 1967. Characterized by its delicate aromas, fine bubbles and crisp acidity, Schramsberg is an elegant and well-balanced wine that pairs perfectly with light meals, fresh fruit and seafood dishes.
How Long Does Schramsberg Champagne Remain Fresh?
Schramsberg Champagne is crafted with the goal of providing a drinking experience that will last for decades. Our sparkling wines are made to be enjoyed upon release, but can also benefit from additional aging in the cellar. With careful storage, our Champagnes can last for 30+ years, gracefully evolving in complexity and flavor over time.
The Location of Schramsberg Champagne Production
Schramsberg Vineyards is located in Calistoga, California in the Napa Valley region and produces a variety of sparkling wines using the traditional champagne method. This method, known as méthode champenoise, requires a two-step fermentation process where the wine is fermented twie – once in individual bottles and then again in the bottle after it has been topped off with a dosage of liqueur. This process creates a unique flavor profile that is only achieved through Schramsberg's proprietary techniques. The winery uses Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown on its estate vineyards to create its classic brut and blanc de blancs sparkling wines. The team at Schramsberg also uses other varieties of grapes such as Riesling, Chenin Blanc, and Viognier to produce their special cuvées. The result is an award-winning portfolio of sparkling wines that have been served by U.S. presidents, foreign royalty, and countless other dignitaries.
Does Unopened Champagne Expire?
No, champagne does not expire if it is unopened. Champagne will last for a number of years depending on the type of champagne you have. Non-vintage champagne will typically last three to four years while vintage champagne can last up to ten years. The key to making sure the champagne stays fresh is to store it in the right way, away from direct sunlight, in a cool and dark place. This will help ensure that your champagne stays at its best until you are ready to open and enjoy it.
Is Sparkling Wine a Healthier Option Than Wine?
Sparkling wine, like Champagne, is generally considered to be healthier than regular wine as it contains fewer calories and smaller servings. A typical serving of sparkling wine has around 80 calories compared to 120 for both red and white wine. However, it should be noted that the health benefits of sparkling wine depend on how much you drink. Drinking an entire bottle of sparkling wine can still have a negative impact on your health due to the caloric content of the drink, so moderation is key.
Drinking Sparkling Wine
To drink sparkling wine, first chill the bottle for 30 minutes in ice water or 3 hours in the refrigerator. Once chilled, open the bottle usng a special sparkling wine opener with a long handle to avoid a potential mess. Pour the sparkling wine into slender, flute-shaped glasses, being careful not to fill them too full. Finally, enjoy your sparkling wine by sipping slowly and savoring its unique flavor and texture.
The Health Benefits of Sparkling Wine
Yes, sparkling wine can be beneficial for your health. The polyphenols found in red grapes that are used in the production of sparkling wines can help promote healthy gut bacteria, aiding in digestion and overall digestive health. Sparkling wine also contains antioxidants, which are believed to help reduce inflammation and protect against crtain diseases. Furthermore, studies have suggested that moderate consumption of sparkling wine may even reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke by increasing levels of “good” cholesterol. Of course, as with any alcoholic beverage, it is important to drink in moderation and not exceed recommended daily limits to ensure that any potential health benefits are maximized.
Conclusion
Schramsberg Vineyards is a well-established and respected winery in the Napa Valley region. Their sparkling wines are made using the same method as Champagne, and can be enjoyed for thir complexity and medium-bodied structure. While they do not come from the Champagne region of France, Schramsberg's sparkling wines have proven to stand the test of time, aging gracefully in cellars for over 30 years. Whether you're looking for an elegant addition to your next gathering or a wine to age and enjoy over time, Schramsberg Vineyards offers an exceptional selection of sparkling wines that will exceed your expectations.
