Schramsberg 2008 Brut Rose - Review

Schramsberg
2008 Brut Rosé
California

The Schramsberg story began in the 1870s when founder Jacob Schram purchased a hillside property in Napa Valley and planted some of the region's first vines. Through the years, the winery changed hands a number of times, until it was purchased by the Davies family in 1965. The Schramsberg tradition of world-class sparkling wine was actually the Davies' vision, one that they have carried out for more than 40 years. Today, they produce ten sparkling wines in a variety of styles and are recognized among the most exciting sparkling wine producers in the world. A complex wine for the price, the 2008 Brut Rosé offers a bouquet of rose petals, ripe strawberries, candied orange peel and yeasty rye bread. A fine mousse hints at the wine's delicate texture, with tiny, lively bubbles that dance across the tongue. Its flavors are ripe with red berries including red currant, strawberry and cranberry. There's cleansing citrus at the back of the palate leading the way to a fresh but fairly lingering finish. Though its complexity makes it a stunning wine on its own, it is also made in a food-friendly style. Serve it at cocktail hour with simple appetizers like assorted olives, salted almonds or mushroom turnovers. The wine will also work well with fish and white meats including pork loin with berry sauce, grilled white fish with wild mushrooms or duck confit. Like many Brut Rosés, it also makes a lovely choice to finish a meal with a plate of soft, aged cheeses and ripe, red fruits.

Rating: 15/20
Price: $40

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For more information, visit www.schramsberg.com