I am reposting something I wrote six years ago about a wine from Oltrepo’ pavese. The wine hails from Lombardy and is called Quaquarini Cruase. It is a sparkling wine made in the traditional method in Lombardy. I tried it during Vinitaly at the Vivit section as it is made wtih organic grapes. The Quaquarini family is currently in its third generation running the winery located in Canneto Pavese. They are part of a movement called Associazione Produttori del Classese that groups together the most qualified producers of sparkling wines from the Oltrepò Pavese. OltrePo Pavese sparkling wines became a DOCG in 2007. To be called Cruase or Pinot Nero Rose Spumante, they have at least a minimum of 85% Pinot Nero. The remaining 15% can be Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and/or Pinot Grigio.

I liked this wine and I wonder if the name could catch on here in the States. Cruase as a name can be used by Consorzio members for their Pinot Nero Rosé Spumante only. The Consorzio seems to have made many wise choices over the last few years since I first posted this piece. Today there are a number denominations for sparkling wine made in the traditional metodo classico style. More about that later this week. For today, suffice it to say that bubbles are endlessly interesting.