At a glance

Producer

Modicum

Region

Napa Valley, California, USA

Grape variety

Chardonnay (Blanc de Blanc)

Wine type

Sparkling

Body

Light-bodied and Crisp

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$69–$90 USD

Tasting profile

Bright citrus, green apple, baked brioche, and mineral notes. Clean and vibrant palate with crisp acidity.

Evolution: Develops more creamy, nutty autolytic notes and softer bubbles through 2025–2027.

At peak: Textural complexity peaks with harmonious fruit and secondary notes; crisp finish remains until 2027.

Structure

Acidity

High, linear and persistent

Tannins

None (sparkling white from Chardonnay)

Alcohol

Moderate (12.2% ABV typical for this cuvée)

Aging potential

Medium – quality sparkling style will benefit from 3–6 years post-disgorgement; not long-lived but evolves gracefully

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2026

Optimal window

2023 to 2028

Current status

Excellent and fresh, suitable for enjoyment now or short-term cellaring.

Current condition

Youthful with lively acid and mousse, showing primary fruit and toasty autolytics typical of recent disgorgement.

2018 was a structured, high-acid vintage in Napa, ideal for sparkling Blanc de Blancs. Modicum’s style (low dosage, single-vintage) shows best after a few years’ bottle age, highlighting both freshness and emerging autolytic richness by 2024–2026.

Food pairing

Excellent with oysters, crudo, shellfish, sushi, triple-cream cheeses, or delicate poultry dishes.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Cover crops for soil health, fish-friendly farming, solar energy used at facility, minimal irrigation, recycled packaging, byproduct composting.

Modicum (produced at Big Crush, Napa) demonstrates a robust commitment to sustainable viticulture: Napa Green and Fish Friendly Farming certifications, renewable energy use, conscious water/soil stewardship, and eco-friendly packaging. No synthetic herbicide/pesticide use, although not certified organic or biodynamic. Shipping to international markets increases overall carbon output, but domestic footprint is relatively low.