2017 Schramsberg Dutton Ranch Blanc de Blancs

Schramsberg Vineyards is one of California’s most historic wine producers. Located a few miles south of Calistoga, the estate was founded in 1862 by Jacob Schram, a German immigrant who came from a winemaking family along the Rhine River. By the end of the 19th century Schram’s California estate was producing wines that were acclaimed in New York and elsewhere. In the 20th century the estate changed hands several times, then Jack Davies and his wife Jamie purchased it in 1965 with the idea of making sparkling wine. By the 1970s the Davies’ sparkling wines were considered so exceptional that they were served at the White House. Schramsberg is now run by Hugh Davies, Jack and Jamie’s youngest son. Besides a full line of sparkling wines, the estate also produces Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.

Russian River Valley AVA is named for the river that meanders from Mendocino County in the north until it finally runs into the Pacific Ocean north of San Francisco. The AVA is cool thanks to its proximity to the northern California coast and the river, and grape growers must learn to deal with regular fog. Nevertheless in recent decades the AVA has become one of the best in the state, meaning that its wines often earn excellent reviews and have considerable cachet. The AVA status was awarded in 1983 and today the appellation has 15,000 vineyard acres. Chardonnay is the most widely planted grape though Pinot Noir has also been very successful in recent decades. Russian River Valley Pinot Noir are known for being rich, lush and filled with concentrated fruit and berry flavors. Russian River Pinot Noirs are today considered some of the best domestic Pinot Noirs.