With “sparkling” days soon approaching us, I thought I would mention a trip we took to one of California’s best sparkling wine producers, Mumm Napa. As you all must certainly know, just because a wine has bubbles in it doesn’t qualify it to be called “Champagne.” This is iconic name is used only to describe the sparkling wines made in the famous northern French wine region of Champagne. There are a couple of other guidelines that must be followed, but we will talk about those a little later. For now, a little bit about Mumm.

The story began, of course, in France where the famous Champagne house G.H. Mumm decided to form a winery in California, and what better place to do that than in Napa Valley? So in 1986, using all the  techniques of sparkling winemaking they had been using and refining in France for over 150 years, Mumm Cuvee Napa was created.

Guy Devaux established the winery, and though he passed away in 1995, his over 40 years of experience helped to solidify Mumm Napa as one of the top producers of bubbly wines outside of France. All the grapes used in Mumm’s wines are grown in Napa; they are gently pressed, and the important process of undergoing the secondary fermentation in each individual bottle begins. The winery's master-winemaker, Ludovic Dervin, continues Champagne's long-established traditions in each bottle of these wonderful sparkling wines.

We were taken on a complete tour of the winemaking facility along with a tour of the winery's art collection. We were then treated to a sampling of some of their delicious wines out on the patio overlooking Napa Valley. It was a beautiful day in the Valley and a perfect setting to enjoy the wines that Mumm Napa creates. As we took in the view, we sampled Mumm's Brut Rose, a wine that the Wine Spectator gave a 90 point rating. We also tasted Mumm's Brut Prestige and a glass of the winery's still wine, Mumm Napa Chardonnay. The two wines I really enjoyed and that I thought stood above the rest were the 2007 Mumm Napa DVX and the 2007 DVX Brut Rose; these were both exceptional wines.

They also do a couple small production wines, one that is a tribute and collaboration with the world famous musician, Carlos Santana. The 2007 Santana Supernatural Brut is a very nice sparkler showing some subtle flavors of brioche, apple and a bit of tropical fruit. Mumm Napa also did a tribute bottle with a label dedicated to two-time World Series Champions San Francisco Giants.

We left the relaxing patio visit for our lunch that was served in the glass-enclosed salon, again with a gorgeous view of the vineyards. We had a lunch of the fresh bounty that this part of California is well-known for and with each course we enjoyed a glass of great Mumm wine.

Ken Amendola, ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Wine Supervisor

Follow him on Twitter @abcwinekena