Blanc de Noirs (white from black) is the counterpart of Blanc de Blancs (white from white). Made at Schramsberg from the red wine grape Pinot Noir, this is a delicious, fruitful, full-bodied sparkling wine. Schramsberg pioneered the Blanc de Noirs style in the United States, releasing the first such American sparkler in 1967. Blanc de Noirs presents layers of roasted almond, caramel, cherry and spice.
The wine is especially appealing with lighter meats such as veal and pork tenderloin, caviar and smoked fish, risotto with chanterelles and vegetables, or cheese soufflés. Hugh Johnson wrote in his Pocket Encyclopedia of Wine: Schramsberg is a dedicated specialist: California’s best sparkling. Blanc de Noirs is outstanding. The 1992 Blanc de Noirs won a gold medal at the World Wine Championships; the 1996 and 1997 both won gold medals at the Orange County Fair. Blend: 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Chardonnay. Source: Napa 49%, Mendocino 35%, and Sonoma 16%.
WineSpectator Review:
Offers zesty aromas of vanilla, apple and cherry, with racy, toasty spice and pear flavors that finish with a dry, mineral note. Drink now through 2010.
