Scharffenberger Cellars Brut Excellence Non-Vintage (Current)
- W&S
- WE
- JS
- WS
- IW&SC
Price: $23.00
Reviews
91 Points
Wine Enthusiast December 1, 2020
“A well-rounded, supple texture surrounds attractive toast and nut flavors in this suave and mouthfilling wine. Notes of biscuit, peach and toasted bread give it a nice sense of maturity and complexity.”
Overview
Scharffenberger has been pioneering super premium Mendocino California sparkling wine since 1981, with grapes sourced from Scharffenberger's own 120 acres of vineyards, as well as select vineyards belonging to trusted growers in Mendocino County. Grapes grown in Mendocino County—an unmatched appellation for sparkling wine—benefit from the cool coastal influences of the Pacific Ocean. This type of vineyard selection allows us to produce our trademark cuvée.
Scharffenberger grapes also enjoy the deep soils and sunshine provided by the protected Anderson Valley. The winery stays true to its original winemaking philosophy, to create stellar quality, delicious sparkling wines that reflect the diversity of the premier Mendocino County viticultural appellation.
Winemaking
Scharffenberger Brut Excellence is made by the méthode traditionelle process, whereby the wines are individually bottle-fermented before being riddled and disgorged.
The wine is approximately 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. The full malolactic style adds a vanilla cream character producing a round and full-bodied wine.
Tech
Appellation: Mendocino County
Varietals: 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir
Wine Alcohol: 12.5%
pH: 3.12
Residual Sugar: 10 g/L
Aging: Minimum of 2 years en tirage and 6 months under cork
Cases Produced: 20,000
Tasting Notes
After approximately two years on the lees, there are notes of freshly baked bread and pastry that enhances the more fruit forward style of the wine. Finally, after several months on the cork, the wine develops caramel and hazel complexors.
