From Mumm Napa

Champagne-born master winemaker Ludovic Dervin leads the way, using his international experience to craft balanced, distinctive wines in the acclaimed méthode traditionelle.

Continuing the long tradition of handcrafted wine, each cluster of grapes is carefully selected and transported in small baskets. The harvest is then gently pressed using only the first, most pure, pressing to go into our sparkling wines. To ensure character in the style of méthode champenoise, every bottle is fermented separately. And, equally important, our grapes are still sourced entirely from Napa Valley.

Before our masters begin the winemaking process, each vintage starts with what Mother Nature gives us. Mumm Napa sources grapes from the cool southern Carneros region, Yountville’s warmer climate and the hot mid-valley Oakville and Rutherford regions. Each of the areas lends different characters to the wine. Carneros offers flavors of lemon/lime, Yountville adds an apple/pear taste, while you can savor kiwi and other tropical flavors stemming from the mid-valley. Our long-term relationships with top growers ensure that excellent grapes are continually available.

One of our primary sources of high-quality fruit comes from our own Devaux Vineyard, situated in the Carneros growing region. The vineyard possesses some of the finest, most ancient soils, including the first limestone outcropping found in the area. Limestone is a major component of the soil in France’s Champagne district, creating depth and richness.

Traditionally, grapes used in sparkling wine, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, are picked at a lower harvest. The grapes can then retain the crisp acidity allowing for power, finesse and balance.

Mumm Napa combines technological innovation with traditional care in the vineyard. To preserve quality, our grapes are handpicked and placed into small, molded plastic containers, affectionately known as "Famous Yellow Boxes." Their simple, clever construction keeps the berries from being crushed and in prime condition for the presses.

Mumm Napa
PO Drawer 500
8445 Silverado Trail
Rutherford, CA 94573
(707) 967-7700
http://mummnapa.com/home.cfm

Submitted by:
Trudi Wendt
Pasadena Restaurant Forum