Introduction:
This Cremant Demi-Sec from Schramsberg offers a sophisticated and engaging take on off-dry sparkling wine. Richly textured yet finely balanced, it showcases the winery’s meticulous méthode traditionnelle craftsmanship, blending fruit generosity with elegance and finesse. It’s a festive and versatile sparkler that straddles the line between indulgence and freshness.
Terrior:
The grapes are sourced from cooler pockets of Napa Valley, where maritime influence and elevation provide ideal conditions for sparkling wine production. The soils—ranging from volcanic ash to alluvial loam—contribute both minerality and textural depth. Gentle ripening under cooler temperatures ensures retention of natural acidity, crucial for the wine’s balance and aging potential.
Appearance:
A luminous pale gold, enhanced by a steady stream of fine bubbles that rise in delicate columns. The soft, creamy mousse crowns the glass with elegance and persistence, signaling quality bottle fermentation.
Nose:
Expressive and inviting, the nose opens with ripe pear, white peach, and yellow apple, followed by floral layers of honeysuckle and orange blossom. Underneath, richer aromas of honeycomb, toasted brioche, and vanilla custard emerge, hinting at extended lees aging and the demi-sec style’s lush character.
Palate:
Creamy and expansive on entry, with a refined sweetness that wraps around flavors of ripe stone fruit, baked apple, and Meyer lemon. Notes of apricot preserves and poached pear evolve on the mid-palate, grounded by a zippy core of acidity that keeps the wine lively and focused. The mousse is velvety and integrated, creating a plush yet buoyant mouthfeel.
Finish:
Elegant and persistent, the finish glides with lingering impressions of citrus peel, almond torte, and a gentle salinity that lends lift and freshness. There’s a beautifully restrained sweetness that harmonizes with the wine’s vibrant structure.
Overall Impression:
Schramsberg’s Cremant Demi-Sec is a masterful blend of opulence and precision. Ideal for celebrations, it’s equally compelling as a pairing for spicy cuisine, soft cheeses, or fruit-based desserts. With its creamy texture, off-dry profile, and layered complexity, it stands out as a luxurious yet versatile sparkling wine.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 12.5%
Farming Practices: Sustainable
Producer Name: Schramsberg
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: USA
Region: Napa Valley, California
Grape Varietals: Predominantly Flora (a rare crossing of Sémillon and Gewürztraminer), with small amounts of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2021 (bottled vintage, non-vintage cuvée)
Wine Style: Semi-Sparkling White; Medium-bodied with off-dry richness, creamy mousse, and bright acidity
Winemaking Techniques: Méthode Traditionnelle; hand-harvested, whole-cluster pressed; aged on lees for added complexity; dosage adjusted for demi-sec style
Pack Size: 750 ml
Container Style: Glass Bottle
Closure Style: Cork with Wire Cage