Top Sparkling Wines of California
11th November 2015
California produces some fantastic sparkling wines that are influenced by the beautiful landscape and terroir. Here are a few examples to try.
Scharffenberger Brut Excellence NV
Scharffenberger Cellars was founded in 1981 with the commitment to making ultra-premium sparkling wines, which are today established among America’s finest.
The Brut Excellence is the house’s signature cuvée made from approximately 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. The full malolactic style adds a vanilla cream character producing a round and full-bodied wine.
Schramsberg Brut Rosé
The Schramsberg Estate is tucked into the densely forested slopes of Diamond Mountain, a few miles south of the town of Calistoga, and is home to the oldest hillside vineyards in Napa. Their Brut Rosé is flavorful, complex and dry.
The character of the wine is most strongly influenced by bright, flavourful Pinot Noir grown in Carneros, Anderson Valley, and the Sonoma and Marin coastal areas.
Roederer Estate Brut
Roederer Estate Brut is the first California sparkling wine to be produced by Champagne Louis Roederer, further building upon a 200-year tradition of fine wine-making from this family owned company.
The Brut, (approx 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir) is crisp and elegant with complex pear, spice and hazelnut flavors. It is fresh and lightly fruity with great finesse and depth of flavour.
Iron Horse 2011 Brut X
Iron Horse is one of Sonoma County’s most beautiful, small, independent, estate, family-owned wineries. It is located in cool, foggy Green Valley. Iron Horse produce 12 different cuvées, all vintage.
The Brut X is extremely dry, bright and expressive.
Mumm Napa 2007 DVX
The roots of Mumm Napa go back to legendary Champagne house GH.Mumm. Mumm Napa was established in the 1970’s and continues the traditional French wine-making techniques.
2007 DVX is Mumm Napa’s flagship cuvée. It’s rich and elegant with a long-lasting finish. This prestigious tete de cuvée honors the visionary work of the founder Guy Devaux.
Gloria Ferrer 2007 Royal Cuvée
Gloria Ferrer is not only the first sparkling wine house in Sonoma Carneros, but also the first to plant Champagne clones and the first to plant in Carneros.
Only 3,000 cases of this award-winning Prestige Cuvée were produced. Only the first pressing of select Carneros grapes is used to craft this wine.
There are many other great quality California sparkling wines,
such as California JFJ, California Quartet Brut NV, let us know your favourite.
Glass of Bubbly
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