In 1979 when G.H. Mumm set their sights on producing sparkling wine in the United States, winemaker Guy Devaux was put to the task of seeking out just the right location. By 1986, Mumm Cuvée Napa was established, and has been producing sparkling California wine in the méthode champenoise (or traditional method) ever since. Not trying to imitate the French Champagne that bears its name, Mumm Cuvée Napa has established itself as a superior producer of fine Napa Valley sparkling wines. Today, winemaker Ludovic Dervin is responsible for the variety of elegant wines Mumm produces. Clearly, there was no hesitation on my part when asked to taste these three sparkling wines.
Mumm Brut Prestige Made with 51% Pinot Noir, 46% Chardonnay, 2% Pinot Meunier and 1% Pinot Gris. This wine presents soft sparkling bubbles, with golden color in the glass and soft floral aromas. Flavors of peach, apricot, and vanilla make this a rich flavored wine. The finish is lush and lingering. This is a complex, food friendly wine that can take you from the dinner table straight to a mid-night toast on New Years Eve. A retail price of $20 for this wine is remarkable.
Mumm Brut Rosé Made with 85% Pinot Noir 15% Chardonnay. The light bubbles enhance the salmon glow of the wine in the glass. Aromas of yeast and cherries; flavors of tart pink grapefruit with a mild, but satisfying finish make this a very sophisticated wine. The flavors became more complex when tasted with blue cheese, and would also complement a spicy meal. Retail price of $24.
DVX
Mumm DVX 2003 Made with 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay. This wine honors the legacy of winemaker Guy Devaux. The tiniest of bubbles accentuate the golden straw color. With aromas of toast and flavors of green apple; this wine has a smooth creamy feel and a very long finish. I found this wine simply elegant to sip alone. A well done, but not over done wine; complex but not confusing. This is an age worthy sparkling wine. A retail price of $60 this is a bottle to treat yourself to!
I’ll encourage you to try one or all three of these wines this New Year’s weekend. Pick your favorite because Valentines Day is right around the corner!
Thank you to Mumm Napa and Folsom & Associates for providing the samples.
Cheers!
by Eileen Gross
Wine Everyday 
This blog made me thirsty! I do love sparkling wine! Thanks
Great information; succinct and filled with just what the drinker/buyer needs to know. Good work. The winery where I work is next door to Mumm, as we measure such things in Napa, and we have very good relations with them, including huge discounts on each other’s wines. I should take advantage of this sooner than later. Cheers!
Thanks Tom! How convenient! Next time I’m in California we can hop over to Mumm for a sip or two! Thanks for the positive feedback on the post! I tell you, their Brut Prestige is a steal at $20, if you get a Friends & Family Discount you are very luck!! Cheers!
I visited the winery (it is beautiful) and sampled their sparkling wines. I would have a hard time to pick a favorite as they were all great. Nice they support the arts also. Love their gallery.
Thank you Renee! I would love to visit on my next trip to California. They have a great range of wines, each with their own personality. I could sip them all day! Cheers & Happy New Year to you!