Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wine, Wine, Wine Tasting

T.G.I.F. Champagne and the like…NV Mumm Napa Cuvee M

Posted by Martin D. Redmond on

Mumm Napa is a joint venture between G.H. Mumm & Cie, of France, and Joseph E Seagram & Sons.  G.H. Mumm & Cie was founded in 1827, ironically by the von Mumms, German winemakers who trace their ancestry back to medieval times. The Napa location was founded by in 1979 by Guy Deveaux, who passed away in 1995. Mumm produces an upscale line of “DVX” sparkling wines in his honor.  They have a pretty diverse lineup of sparkling wines, that includes a sparkling Pinot Noir, and a Santana Brut, which is collaboration between Mumm and Carlos Santana.  They also produce Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay still wines.  Mumm sources their fruit from both Carneros, and the Yountville AVAs.

This cuvée was aged 18 months on lees.  It contains a proprietary dosage of late-harvest Muscat and Pinot Noir.  It’s the dosage that determines the sweetness of the final product.  In the case of this sparkler, it’s produced in the “sec” style, or what I considered to be the upper end of the “off-dry” style.

 

Mumm Cuvée M - Photo courtesy of Mumm Nap;a

NV Mumm Napa Brut Rosé

Region: California>Napa Valley

Variety – 48% Chardonnay/43% Pinot Noir/6% Pinot Gris/3% Pinot Meunier

Dosage – 3.1% residual sugar

Production method: Méthode Champenoise;  Late harvest Muscat and Pinot Noir added en tirage

Alcohol by volume: 12.5%

Cost: $15 (on sale) Retail: $22

My tasting notes follow:

Appearance: Light straw color with tiny bead of bubbles

Aromas: Brioche, stone fruit, and a bit of citrus

Body:  Easy, light-bodied, with moderately aggressive mousse, clean and slightly sweeter than off-dry.

Taste: Pear and vanilla

Finish: Short finish

Pair with: The beauty of sparkling wines is their pairing versatility with a variety of foods.  This one would be a very nice aperitif, and also pair with nicely with fruit desserts, or because it’s sweeter, spicy foods.

I found this to be interesting.  It has some sweetness, but it wasn’t overly sweet, and it was “clean”, meaning it didn’t have a cloying aftertaste.  I think this is definitely a wine for folks who want a sweeter sparkler.  And if you’re a fan of Moscatos that seem so popular, particularly among Millennials, these days, you’ll enjoy this.  It was easy, enjoyable, and it’s widely available.  I’d buy again whenever I find it only sale, which is frequently, especially if I serving friends who prefer their sparklers with some sweetness. (86pts).

“May your glass always be filled with warm memories, and the taste of a life well lived linger on your tongue” – Unknown

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