Cosima Grisancich
Let’s start with the definition of Cruasé.
Cruasé identifies the Oltrepò Pavese DOCG Classic Method Rosé which comes from Pinot Noir grapes.
It is the collective brand, chosen by the Oltrepò Protection Consortium, to define the Classic Method sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir grapes vinified in rosé. More specifically, it is a project born in 2010 to link the name of Oltrepò to a specific type of production. A new image of the Oltrepò Metodo Classico, to stand out from everyone else and express its uniqueness and typicality.
The term Cruasé links modern etymology and historical re-enactment. It embodies the concept of “cru”: an expression used in the world of wine to indicate a particular vineyard located in a chosen area and from which a high quality wine is obtained, combined with the term “rosé” (like the shade of this specific type of rosé sparkling wine).
“cruà” is also the ancient name of the vine that was mainly cultivated in Oltrepo’ Pavese in the 18th century.
The regulation for the production of Cruasé provides a series of restrictive parameters that start from the basis of the specification: minimum 85% of Pinot Noir grapes, with the specification of the varietal on the label. Soft pressing and light maceration of the skins with the must, followed by cold vinification, without acidification and finally a slow refermentation in the bottle in contact with the yeasts for at least 24 months.
The most suitable areas for the sparkling wine base are characterized by soils with fine textures, mainly located in hilly areas (between 200 and 550 metres), with mild temperatures and greater temperature changes between day and night.
The Bertè & Cordini company is located in the heart of the Oltrepò Pavese, in the municipality of Broni, in the province of Pavia, Lombardy.
This Cruasè Rosè Brut Nature is composed exclusively of Pinot Noir grapes vinified in pink, aged on the lees for a minimum of 24 months and after disgorgement the sparkling wine remains in the bottle for a further 3 months before being put on the market.
In the glass it shows a delicate pink dress. On the nose it offers floral and fruity notes with hints of rose petals, strawberry, red fruits and fine pastries. On the palate it is inviting, creamy and pleasantly round, with a fresh and clean finish that invites drinking.
Perfect as an aperitif, it is ideal to accompany land and sea starters such as fish and shellfish crudités, it also goes very well with beef tartare and white meat-based second courses.
