Scharffenberger Brut Mendocino

Scharffenberger Brut is a sparkling wine from Mendocino, made by the traditional method with a second fermentation in the bottle. The blend is usually 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, though some vintages lean closer to 55/45. It spends around two years on the lees, and about 12% of the blend is reserve wine from a solera-like system. Most of the base wine goes through malolactic fermentation, which gives a creamy, rounded palate. The nose is freshly baked bread, brioche, pastry and creme brulee, with citrus and apple. On the palate it is rich and mouthfilling yet crisp, with caramel, hazelnut, red berries and apricot, and a lingering, savoury finish of toast and nuts.