The Tb points given to this wine are the world’s most valid and most up-to-date evaluation of the quality of the wine. Tastingbook points are formed by the Tastingbook algorithm which takes into account the wine ratings of the world's 50 best-known professional wine critics, wine ratings by thousands of tastingbook’s professionals and users, the generally recognised vintage quality and reputation of the vineyard and winery. Wine needs at least five professional ratings to get the Tb score. Tastingbook.com is the world's largest wine information service which is an unbiased, non-commercial and free for everyone.
Wine Description
The Story
Schramsberg Crémant Demi-sec is a delicate, off-dry dessert-style wine: an American original. Crémant is French for “creamy” and traditionally refers to a sparkling wine with softer effervescence. It has roughly half the pressure of our other sparkling wines and presents a creamier texture with more exotic flavors. Schramsberg made California’s first Crémant in 1972. After rigorous study, our winemaking team chose the unique California grape named Flora (a cross of Sémillon and Gewürztraminer developed at UC Davis) to be the core component of this sparkling wine. Flora unites the fruit-forward character of Gewürztraminer with the strength and depth of Sémillon. Select lots of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay add length to the palate while a touch of Gewurztraminer on its own lifts the spiced, fruitful nature of the blend. Aging on the yeast for about two years prior to disgorgement adds complexity, yet the wine will retain its youthful appeal for 20 years or more.
Schramsberg Crémant has been served at many State events, including President Reagan’s Second Inaugural Luncheon and President Clinton’s dinner for the prime minister of Canada. Most recently, the Crémant Demi-sec was served at the dinner celebrating the 60th wedding anniversary of President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush.
This delicious sparkler has spicy, floral aromatics, and apricot and peach flavors that will gently caramelize with further aging in the bottle. The sweetness in Crémant is subtle, providing a fine balance with desserts, such as fruit tarts, poached fruit, light cakes, custards, exotic sorbets, crème caramel, gingerbread and crème brûlée. It also complements a wide range of spicy Asian foods and matches especially well with foie gras.
Wine Information
TASTING NOTES
“The 2008 Crémant Demi-sec has a complex nose of candied guava and apricot, with nuances of dried cherry. This vibrant fruit is complemented by notes of honey and warm sticky bun. The palate is velvety and coating on entry with sweet tropical flavors of pineapple, papaya and mango. The sparkling wine is completed by a balanced acidity that lingers on the finish.”
– Winemakers Keith Hock and Hugh Davies
Varietal Composition: 70% Flora, 25% Gewurztraminer, 5% Pinot Noir
County Composition: 70% Napa, 24% Mendocino, 6% Sonoma
Appellation: North Coast
Harvest Dates: August 14 - September 17, 2008
Barrel Fermenation: 10%
Alcohol: 13.5%
TA: 0.55g/100mL
pH: 3.27
RS: 3.00g/100mL
Release Date: August 1, 2012
Cases Produced: 3,147
Suggested Retail: $38