1981 The history of Scharffenberger Cellars began in 1981 in the heart of Mendocino’s Anderson Valley. Under the pioneering leadership of its founder, John Scharffenberger, the winery embarked on a mission to craft unparalleled California sparkling wine, poised to rival the best in the world. After multiple shifts in ownership, Scharffenberger Cellars entered a new era as a member of the Roederer Collection in 2004, under the ownership of Maison Louis Roederer. Jeffrey Jindra took over winemaking operations at Scharffenberger Cellars in early 2018 and became only the third winemaker in the winery’s history. Jeffrey has stayed true to the winery’s original philosophy and time-honored practices of méthode traditionnelle, to create stellar quality, delicious sparkling wines that reflect the diversity of the premier Mendocino County viticultural appellation.
2004
chevron_right chevron_left 2018 NEXT Starts In The Vineyard Our methodology of blending is not just to create a wine of balance, finesse, and enjoyment, but to fully express the diversities of our growing region. Through countless tasting trials, the Scharffenberger team ranks and sorts through each fermentation lot and reserve wine to assemble a Mendocino masterpiece. We believe the sum of all the parts is greater than the individual components alone. All of our wines are made in the two-step méthode traditionnelle process where the wines are individually bottle-fermented before being riddled and disgorged. A small amount of cane sugar and yeast are added to the base blend on its way into bottle. The yeast will consume the sugar and create carbon dioxide necessary for bubbles. To further the depth of texture, flavors and aromas, every bottle ages a minimum of 24 months on the lees. Prior to release, the bottles will be riddled, disgorged, topped off with the desired dosage, and aged on the cork for 6 months. Every year, through fractional blending (also known as solera) the reserve wine adds a new chapter to the story of Scharffenberger Cellars. On average, 12% of reserve wine is added to our non-vintage blends, which helps define the classic and consistent flavors and aromas of our sparkling wines. This added layer of complexity ensures that our wines tell the story of our past and current vintages. Méthode Traditionnelle chevron_right chevron_left Reserve Wine Program NEXT Old world finesse with new world fruit forwardness. Brut Excellence “The new release of Scharffenberger “Brut Excellence” is composed from a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. The vins clairs go through full malolactic and the wine is given fully two years aging sur latte prior to disgorgement. NEXT chevron_right chevron_left Old world finesse with new world fruit forwardness. Brut Rosé Crafted from a similar sssemblage to the Brut Excellence, but with 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir. Not all of the vins clairs for this bottling go through malo, though the vast majority do so. It was aged on its fine lees for two years, is a lovely pale salmon color and offers up a refined bouquet of strawberries, tangerine, with a top note of rose petals. Learn More chevron_right chevron_left