Cruase from Tenuta Mazzolino

I feel like my life is returning to normal after having experienced 11 days with 95+F temperatures and sweated throught the massive power outage.  In an effort to catch up on my tasting notes here is a final post for today.  We recently drank another Pinot Noir based wine from Tenuta Mazzolino. This time it was a sparkling rose named Cruase.  According to the website Cruase is a combination of “cru” and “rose” with an “a” in the middle. This is not a creation of Tenuta Mazzolino rather that of a Consortium of wineries.  Cruase is a recognized branding name (with a website here) that is subject to the regulations for Oltrepo Pavese Metodo Classico Rose DOCG.  As the only “natural rose from red grapes” with a DOCG this wine was created with hotels, restaurants, and catering in mind.  The first bottles were only released in 2009 so production is expected to increase in the coming years.  This is an easily drinkable rose and worth drinking if this is what you are looking for.  Personally, if you are interested in Italian Pinot Noir or the wines of Mazzolino I would spend $7 more to get the 2005 Noir Folon or for $3 more two bottles of the 2011 Terrazze.  This wine is available at MacArthur Beverages.

NV Tenuta Mazzolino, Mazzolino Rose, Cruase Oltrepo Pavese- $23
Imported by Michael R. Downey Selections.  This wine is 100% Pinot Noir which was aged for 18 months on the lees after which is was manually riddled.  The color is a light to medium orange with dried roses.  In the mouth there were very forward bubbles which were prickly before bursting to oblivion.  There was dry red fruit which had an initial ripe hint before becoming dry in the middle.  There were notes of tangy strawberry and yeast.  ** Now.