In our Fall/Winter 2013 print issue, we featured prosecco and discussed the differences between this Italian sparkling wine that often gets called Champagne. The two sparkling wines (one Italian and the other French) are in fact made from different grapes and from two different processes. Most importantly, the use of the name Champagne is highly regulated outside of the Champagne region of France, even banned in the U.S. with the majority of wine houses that produce Champagne labeling it as a sparkling wine.
At Mumm Napa located on the famous Silverado Trail, you are getting the real thing. From the concept of the winery, all the way to the production which originated in the Champagne region of France. Master winemaker Guy Devaux was charged by the legendary Champagne house G.H. Mumm to find a location in the United States that would be used for producing sparkling wines. After a very extensive search, Devaux decided on Napa Valley and Mumm Napa was born. Since 1995, Mumm has been releasing some of the best sparkling wines known around the world.
A Look Behind the Bubbles
A complimentary tour of the state-of-the-art equipment used to make the wines will give you a detailed look inside this winemaking processes known as methode traditionnelle. Using pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier grapes, each bottle goes through its first fermentation before the second takes place where yeast and sugar are added. The total process from beginning to end is very fascinating and can take up to five years before you are able to uncork a bottle of Mumm’s bubbly.
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During your planned winery visit, take a walk along the vineyards to see the grapes growing on the vines, enjoy the estate’s two large art exhibit spaces that show rotating collections of world-class art photography in one and signed work by famed photographer Ansel Adams in the other. Enjoy tastings outside on the Oak Terrace or patio, both with breathtaking views. Looking for a more intimate experience? Mumm’s tasting salon was named one of the best tasting rooms by Wine Enthusiast magazine and it the perfect place to enjoy an after of bubbly tasting with friends.
Mumm's winemaker Ludovic Dervin has successfully carried the torch to combine Mumm’s rich French heritage with its unique California style and as a result, the winery has built some pretty terrific partners with Grammy® Award winner Carlos Santana and the San Francisco Giants. The Santana Collection features three specially crafted sparkling wines priced between $50 and $70. As the official sparkling wine of the 2012 World Series Champions, the special release for the San Francisco Giants has been a big hit with fans and wine enthusiasts alike.
Getting married this year and haven’t decided on your bubbly yet? Mumm is the perfect addition to any celebration. The winery’s wedding wines are affordable and will add that special touch to make it all official. You can also inquire about having the ceremony on the property with a romantic French theme.
Mumm Napa is located at 8445 Silverado Trail in Napa. For more information or to set-up a tour and tasting, call 707.967.7730. You can also visit the website at www.mummnapa.com.
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