Tenuta Il Bosco Oltrenero Cruasé N.V.

From Tenuta Il Bosco, Oltrenero Cruasé N.V. is a sparkling wine made with Pinot Nero, named for the Oltrepò area meaning “beyond the Po”, Italy’s longest river. Crafted with handpicked grapes, it begins with a 6 to 8 hour maceration to achieve a slight extraction of colour from the skins, followed by a 12-day fermentation at 64°F. The wine then rests on its lees until the following July before liqueur de tirage is added for the conversion to sparkling wine, continuing for 24 months until dégorgement. A final addition of liqueur d'expédition brings residual sugars to 5 g/l.

In the glass, it shows a bright pink colour with vivid reflections, a very fine perlage and a soft, persistent sparkle. The bouquet is fragrant, with hints of mandarin orange, raspberries, cranberries and wild strawberries, while the palate is decisive and fresh, finishing with an elegant note reminiscent of bread crust.

Serve as an aperitivo, or alongside smoked salmon, aged Parmesan cheese, crab cakes or seafood risotto.