Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs 2004

Blanc de Noirs (white from black) is the counterpart to Blanc de Blancs (white from white). Made from the red wine grape Pinot Noir, this is a complex, fruity, medium-bodied sparkling wine. Schramsberg pioneered the Blanc de Noirs style in the United States, releasing the first such American sparkler in 1967.

Making a white wine from a red grape requires great care – handpicked fruit, early morning harvest, optimal fruit maturity and delicate pressing. A balance of bright flavors, crisp acidity and minimal tannins is achieved. Over two years of yeast contact in the bottle knits all the elements together in a mature, toasty style.

"The 2004 Blanc de Noirs offers the essence of baked berry, nectarine, dried tropical fruit and cherry blossom with subtle aromas of warm pie crust, biscuit and graham cracker. Hints of guava and tonic lend an exotic note. The creamy mid-palate gives way to a zesty red tropical fruit finish. This bright, quenching wine will develop plenty of character and complexity over time while retaining it's youthful integrity."
–Winemakers Hugh Davies and Craig Roemer

Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs is particularly well-suited to serve with a variety of foods; some examples include soft and nutty cheeses, macadamia nut crusted halibut, and pork tenderloin with fresh rosemary and lemon thyme.