Trump Blanc de Blanc

Trump Blanc de Blanc is a traditional-method sparkling wine made entirely from Chardonnay at Trump Winery in the Monticello AVA of Virginia, in a 750ml bottle. Aged on its lees in the bottle in the manner of Champagne, it is the estate's signature sparkling wine, crisp and elegant with citrus, green apple and a fine toasty note.

Quick Facts: Origin: Monticello AVA, Virginia, USA | Varietal: 100% Chardonnay | Style: Traditional Method Sparkling Wine, Brut | Producer: Trump Winery

Production & Heritage

Sparkling wine is the reason the Trump Winery estate exists. Before its purchase in 2011, the property was Kluge Estate, whose founder Patricia Kluge built it specifically to make Champagne-style wine in Virginia with the help of French consultants. Trump Winery kept that focus, and its Blanc de Blanc remains the flagship. The wine is made from 100% estate Chardonnay grown in the Blue Ridge foothills, picked early for acidity, pressed gently and fermented into a still base wine. A second fermentation takes place in the bottle, after which the wine rests on its yeast lees for an extended period to build the brioche and toast character of the traditional method before disgorging. Virginia's climate gives the wine ripe orchard fruit with the acidity that sparkling wine demands, and the estate's sparkling wines have consistently been among its most awarded bottlings.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Green apple, lemon curd and white peach, with brioche, toasted almond and a chalky mineral note from the lees aging.

Taste: Dry and crisp, with a fine, persistent mousse carrying citrus and apple fruit, a creamy mid-palate from lees contact and bright, clean acidity.

Finish: Medium to long, fresh and toasty, with lingering lemon zest and a light biscuit note.

How to Drink Trump Blanc de Blanc

Serve Trump Blanc de Blanc well chilled, around 42 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit, in a tulip or white wine glass rather than a narrow flute to let the aromas show. It is a natural celebration wine and a superb aperitif, and it pairs with oysters and raw bar, fried chicken or triple-cream cheese. It also makes a refined French 75 with gin, lemon and sugar, or a simple Kir Royale with a splash of creme de cassis.

Best For

• Weddings, anniversaries and toasts
• Holiday brunch and mimosas that deserve better than cheap bubbles
• Oysters, sushi and fried foods
• Gifting a domestic sparkling wine with a Champagne-method pedigree

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Trump Blanc de Blanc taste like? It tastes of green apple, lemon and white peach with brioche and toasted almond from lees aging, a creamy fine mousse and a crisp, dry finish.

How does Trump Blanc de Blanc compare to Champagne? It is made the same way, from Chardonnay with a second fermentation in the bottle and extended lees aging. It shows a touch more ripe orchard fruit than most Champagne and typically costs less, making it a strong domestic alternative.

Is Trump Blanc de Blanc good for cocktails? Yes. Its dryness and fine bubbles suit a French 75, a Kir Royale or a high-quality mimosa, though it is good enough to drink on its own.

Where is Trump Blanc de Blanc made? It is grown and produced at Trump Winery near Charlottesville, Virginia, on the estate originally built by Kluge Estate to make traditional-method sparkling wine.

What foods pair well with Trump Blanc de Blanc? Oysters, caviar, sushi, fried chicken, popcorn, triple-cream brie, smoked salmon and lemon desserts all pair well with its acidity and toasty notes.

What sizes does Trump Blanc de Blanc come in? This listing is the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Trump Blanc de Blanc worth the price? For a traditional-method, 100% Chardonnay sparkling wine with extended lees aging, it is priced below most grower Champagne and competes well with California sparkling wine of similar quality.

Why Trump Blanc de Blanc?

Trump Blanc de Blanc is the wine the estate was built to make, and it shows. One hundred percent estate Chardonnay, a second fermentation in the bottle and patient lees aging give it the fine mousse, citrus fruit and brioche depth of a serious traditional-method sparkling wine, with the fresh orchard character of Virginia. It is a worthy toast for a celebration, a flexible partner for everything from oysters to fried chicken, and a reminder that excellent sparkling wine is made on the East Coast. For the price, it is one of the better domestic alternatives to Champagne.