Schramsberg

If you have been to one of my dinners, you have likely been served sparkling wine from Schramsberg. The Napa winery is a must-see destination whenever you visit. They do an outstanding job of consistently producing high-quality sparkling wine exclusively using the traditional method developed in Champagne by Dom Pérignon in the 17th century.

The caves at Schramsberg were dug by hand out of solid rock over 100 years ago and today hold over 3.5 million bottles of the best sparkling wine made anywhere in the world. The traditional method is laborious and time-consuming – their highest-end wines age on the lees in the bottle for eight years before disgorgement. The process is fascinating and makes you appreciate what you taste when you pop a cork off a bottle that began as a bunch of grapes over a decade ago.

After this extended aging, the disgorgement process starts with hand riddling every bottle for about eight weeks to slowly slide the dead yeast into the neck. Madam Clicquot developed this process in the early 1800s to clarify the wine she made. The Master Riddler at Schramsberg claims to be able to hand riddle 45,000 bottles per day. Watching him work the riddling racks makes an impression you will never forget.

You can buy the basic Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs at any store and find it on many wine lists. It is consistently great, but for a sublime experience, order a couple of bottles of ten-year-old J. Schram from the winery. Better yet, visit the winery and take the tour.

I returned to Schramsberg last weekend and was reminded why I have so much of their wine in my cellar. Yes, it is creamy, crisp, and delicious, but it is their deep commitment to the craft that is so admirable. They do it the hard way to make something that is truly extraordinary, and for that, I am always grateful. I am planning to raise a glass to the fine folks at Schramsberg this evening. Cheers!