Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs 2019

Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs 2019 is a méthode traditionelle sparkling wine made from 100% Chardonnay, bottled at 12.6% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Scoring 93 points from both Wine Enthusiast and Connoisseurs' Guide, along with 92 points from Wine Spectator, this vintage stands among California's top sparkling wines.

Quick Facts: ABV: 12.6%  |  Origin: North Coast, California  |  Vintage: 2019  |  Winery: Schramsberg Vineyards, Napa Valley

Production & Heritage

Schramsberg Vineyards traces its roots to 1862, when Jacob Schram established the property in Calistoga, Napa Valley. Jack and Jamie Davies revived the estate in 1965, dedicating it to méthode traditionelle sparkling wine production — a commitment that helped pioneer world-class California bubbly. The 2019 Blanc de Blancs is fermented with approximately 25 percent of the juice passing through oak barrels, a practice noted as unique among California sparkling wine houses. Small lots of malolactic- and barrel-fermented wines are blended in for added complexity, and the wine is aged on its yeast lees in bottle for over two years prior to disgorgement.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Lifted scents of fresh Granny Smith apple and lemon-lime open the nose, followed by fresh-baked bread, baked pineapple, and toasted almonds. A light, toasty yeast character ties the aromatic layers together.

Taste: The entry is crisp and bright, with vibrant Meyer lemon and tart apple driving across the mid-palate. A full, foamy, insistent mousse carries creamy, stony flavors, while beautiful acidity keeps the fruit front and center. Toasted almond and subtle barrel influence add a quiet layer of richness beneath the citrus core.

Finish: Long and plush, with lemon tart and almond lingering through a clean, palate-cleansing close. The mousse fades gently, leaving a crisp mineral impression.

How to Drink Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs

This wine is best served well-chilled in a tulip glass, which focuses the aromatics while showcasing the mousse. It drinks beautifully on its own as an aperitif. For cocktails, the Blanc de Blancs brings structure and bright acidity to a French 75, where its lemon and apple notes align naturally with gin and citrus. A Champagne Cocktail benefits from the wine's toasty complexity against a sugar cube and bitters. A Kir Royale works well here, as the wine's high acidity and clean fruit cut through the richness of crème de cassis.

Best For

• Celebrating milestones — New Year's Eve, promotions, anniversaries
• Pairing with a multi-course dinner featuring seafood or lighter fare
• Gifting a wine lover who appreciates American sparkling wine
• Stocking a home cellar with age-worthy California bubbly

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs taste like? The dominant profile is vibrant Meyer lemon and tart green apple, supported by toasted almond and fresh bread notes from extended lees aging. Bright acidity and a creamy mousse give the wine both energy and richness.

How does Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs compare to Roederer Estate? Both are consistently rated among California's top sparkling wines; Roederer Estate tends toward a leaner, more mineral-driven style from Anderson Valley, while Schramsberg's partial oak fermentation and North Coast Chardonnay deliver a slightly richer, creamier texture. The 2019 Schramsberg scored 93 points from Wine Enthusiast, placing it competitively alongside Roederer Estate's top cuvées.

Is Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — the combination of bright acidity, complex lees-derived flavors, and a persistent mousse makes this an engaging wine to drink neat, ideally well-chilled in a proper sparkling wine glass.

Where is Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs made? Schramsberg Vineyards is located in Calistoga, Napa Valley, California. The Blanc de Blancs sources 100% Chardonnay from across the broader North Coast appellation.

What foods pair well with Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs? Raw oysters and shellfish match the wine's bright acidity and mineral undertone. Aged Gruyère or Comté complement the toasted almond and bread notes. Seared scallops benefit from the creamy mousse, while smoked salmon finds balance against the citrus-driven freshness. Lighter poultry dishes such as chicken with lemon-herb butter also pair naturally.

What sizes does Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle; Schramsberg also produces magnums (1.5L) for select vintages.

Is Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs worth the price? Positioned in the premium tier of American sparkling wine, the Blanc de Blancs delivers méthode traditionelle quality with over two years of lees aging — a level of production commitment that justifies its standing above entry-level California sparklers and competes with many traditional-method wines at higher price points.

Why Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs?

Schramsberg's practice of fermenting roughly a quarter of its juice in oak barrels is a distinguishing factor among California sparkling wine producers, and it shows in the 2019 vintage's layered texture and toasted complexity. Triple recognition from major critics — 93 from Wine Enthusiast, 93 from Connoisseurs' Guide, and 92 from Wine Spectator — confirms the consistency of this expression. With over two years of bottle aging on the lees and a legacy that stretches back to the 1860s, the Blanc de Blancs represents one of the most serious commitments to traditional-method sparkling wine in the United States. For anyone serious about American bubbly, this is a benchmark release.