Schramsberg’s founders, Jack and Jamie Davies were determined to seek out a simpler, more meaningful life. In 1965, after a yearlong search, they discovered a run-down winery on the mountainside above St. Helena. The 19th century Victorian mansion presided over the tangled remains of once stately gardens and underground cellars. The historic Schramsberg property had been abandoned for years, but the Davies were looking for a challenge. On that day they decided Schramsberg would be brought back to life.
The Davies had an ambition to make wine, but not just any wine. They were setting out to produce a world-class sparkling wine, and it was a lofty goal. Later that year, the 1965 Blanc de Blancs came to be, and would be the first commercial use of Chardonnay in American sparkling wine.
Blanc de Noirs (white from black) is the counterpart to Blanc de Blancs (white from white). Made primarily from the red grape Pinot Noir, this is a complex, medium-bodied, brut sparkling wine that is aged on the yeast lees in the bottle for two to three years prior to disgorgement.
Reviews:
"Lively and refined but festive, with pretty accents of strawberry, lemon, apple and graham cracker that sail on the crisp yet supple finish."
— Wine Spectator 93 Points
Deep cherry red in color with a garnet rim. On the nose, it is intense and elegant, with a base of ripe fruits that blends with the subtle tertiary aromas of sweet spices and cocoa. On the palate, it is balanced, full-bodied but with sweet and pleasant tannins, with a long and very persistent aftertaste.
Review:
Brize Les Gres Anjou Blanc is made from 100% Chenin Blanc.
This is a dry wine. Easy to drink, fresh with good acidity. The aromas are persistent with apricot and peach.
The wine is made with grapes grown in a parcel called 'Les Grès'.
Pair with cheese and seafood.