Cruse Wine Company was founded in 2013 by former biochemist Michael Cruse. With his eponymous wine company, Michael has set out to craft uniquely California wines with a focus on experimenting with sparkling wine production. He garnered his first experience with sparklers when he co-founded Ultramarine in 2008 where he used sparkling wine to examine the impact of the soils and site of the Sonoma Coast. Michael was named the San Francisco Chronicle’s Winemaker of the Year in 2016. At Cruse, he continues to produce wines with minimal technique and intervention using his resultant wines as a window to examine terroir.

The Cruse Tradition Rosé — a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay — pours a dark carnation pink with a steady stream of miniscule bubbles. The nose offers mouthwatering aromas of berries and fresh cream. The palate showcases a light, silky mousse displaying flavors of strawberries and cranberries with a touch of earthy minerality. The finish is refreshing and long with a hint of saline. Perfect as an aperitif, you can also enjoy this sparkler with a fruit and cheese plate or assorted appetizers.