La Maison de Vertuze
NV Rosé Arroyo Grande Valley, CA
Vertuze's history as a sparkling wine label is short, even by American standards, as it began in 2009. The grapes are from California's Central Coast on land formerly owned by Champagne house Maison Deutz. The branding is courtesy of BevMarketing Group in Los Angeles, famed for launching premium spirits virtually overnight. For their efforts, we can certainly say that the branding team has turned out a pretty product, blended in both Brut and Rosé styles and presented in sleek and sexy bottling designed to evoke the Napoleonic era. On the nose, the rosé delivers faint floral and woodsy notes. Creamy in the mouth with a touch of sweetness, it makes a lovely aperitif or after dinner wine. Flavors are of ripe strawberry, tangerine peel and cream pie with nutty, earthy notes at the back of the palate. Enjoy it on its own or serve with light appetizers of paté, herb-marinated olives, spiced nuts and soft cheeses. It would also work well with salty, cured meats and classic brunch dishes. Or try it with desserts like lemon tart, strawberry shortcake or classic bread pudding.