Scharffenberger Brut Excellence Mendocino County 750ml

John Scharffenberger founded the winery in Anderson Valley in 1981, and it has been part of the Roederer Collection since 2004. The winemaker is Jeffrey Jindra.

Brut Excellence is 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir from Mendocino County, made by the traditional method with the second fermentation in bottle. The importer says it spends at least 24 months on the lees and another 6 months on the cork after disgorgement. About 80% goes through malolactic fermentation, about 12% reserve wine is blended in, and the dosage is 8.5 grams per liter, which is Brut. It's a multi-vintage blend.

The importer describes freshly baked bread and pastry, with caramel and hazelnut developing as it rests on the cork.

Against Roederer Estate Brut, Scharffenberger costs a few dollars less; for a traditional-method California Brut to pour for a crowd, choose Scharffenberger.

Serve it well chilled as an aperitif, with oysters, fried chicken or a cheese plate.

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