Region: California (Napa / North Coast)
Grapes: 100% Valdiguié
Body: Light
Notes: Brilliant ruby fizz. Fresh raspberry, cranberry, wild strawberry, and a floral, peppery finish with zero tannin and pure, vibrant fruit. Grab it cold and don't let go.
Pairing: Fried chicken, charcuterie, pizza, soft cheeses, or anything you'd pair with a really good time.
Cruse Wine Co. Pétillant Naturel Valdiguié is another stunning expression from Michael Cruse's Healdsburg-based winery — one of California's most technically gifted and philosophically committed natural wine producers. Valdiguié is a rare French variety (once mistakenly sold as "Napa Gamay" in California for decades) that thrives in cooler California sites, producing wines of extraordinary fragrance, low alcohol, and vivid red fruit character. Michael sources from organically farmed old-vine Valdiguié — some of the last remaining plantings in the state — and bottles it as a méthode ancestrale pét-nat: refermented in bottle with native yeasts, no disgorgement, no dosage, no additions. The result is a sparkling red of irresistible freshness and charm that sits squarely in the tradition of great Beaujolais pét-nats but with an unmistakably Californian sense of place. A wine that makes everyone at the table immediately happy.
Region: California (Napa / North Coast)
Grapes: 100% Valdiguié
Body: Light
Notes: Brilliant ruby fizz. Fresh raspberry, cranberry, wild strawberry, and a floral, peppery finish with zero tannin and pure, vibrant fruit. Grab it cold and don't let go.
Pairing: Fried chicken, charcuterie, pizza, soft cheeses, or anything you'd pair with a really good time.
Cruse Wine Co. Pétillant Naturel Valdiguié is another stunning expression from Michael Cruse's Healdsburg-based winery — one of California's most technically gifted and philosophically committed natural wine producers. Valdiguié is a rare French variety (once mistakenly sold as "Napa Gamay" in California for decades) that thrives in cooler California sites, producing wines of extraordinary fragrance, low alcohol, and vivid red fruit character. Michael sources from organically farmed old-vine Valdiguié — some of the last remaining plantings in the state — and bottles it as a méthode ancestrale pét-nat: refermented in bottle with native yeasts, no disgorgement, no dosage, no additions. The result is a sparkling red of irresistible freshness and charm that sits squarely in the tradition of great Beaujolais pét-nats but with an unmistakably Californian sense of place. A wine that makes everyone at the table immediately happy.
What is natural wine?
Natural wine is wine made with minimal intervention from the winemaker, using organically or biodynamically grown grapes and without the addition of chemicals or additives such as sulfites. The result is a wine that is unique, expressive, and often has a more complex and nuanced flavor profile than conventional wines. Natural wine is also often associated with sustainable and ethical farming practices, making it a popular choice for those interested in environmentally friendly and socially responsible products.