NV Cruse Wine Co. ''Tradition'' Sparkling Wine, California, USA

ABOUT THIS WINE

Zero dosage and made in the traditional method, this bottle is a snapshot of California in bubbles. A blend of 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir sourced from distinctive and engaging vineyards from Santa Barbara County (29%), Mendocino County (14%), and the Sierra Foothills (56%).

The grapes were pressed using a traditional Champagne cycle and press cut. The vineyards were fermented separately in barrel with native yeasts, natural malolactic fermentation, and no sulfur added. In the late spring, the wines were blended and tirage bottled. After nearly two years on lees, the bottles were riddled and disgorged with 6 g/L dosage.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCERMichael Cruse was born and raised in Northern California and prides himself on producing wines that are unabashedly Californian and inherently delicious. With the creation of Cruse Wine Co. in 2013, it was an opportunity for him to showcase fruit driven and satisfying wines that were fresh and pleasurable, but still remained serious at the same time. The roots of the North Coast run deep with Michael, so he chose to focus on sites within Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Contra Costa Counties to create these special wines.