We love this bubbly, not just because it's budget-friendly, but because it is SO delicious. Scharffenberger Brut Excellence is made by the méthode traditionelle process, whereby the wines are individually bottle-fermented before being riddled and disgorged. Scharffenberger Brut Excellence is made from its own 120-acre vineyards in the Anderson Valley. In addition, Scharffenberger Cellars has long-term contracts with select vineyards in the greater Mendocino County. With this type of vineyard selection, it allows them to produce their trademark cuvée. The wine is approximately 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. The full malolactic style adds a vanilla cream character producing a round and full-bodied wine. After approximately two years on the lees, there are notes of freshly baked bread and pastry that enhances the more fruit forward style of the wine. Finally, after several months on the cork, the wine develops caramel and hazel complexors.