Commonwealth Crush, Shenandoah Valley (Virginia) “Highlit” Sparkling Rosé 2023 ($34)

Commonwealth Crush is a small cooperative-styled winery oriented around small production vineyards and winemakers in Virginia. Their Highlit is a Pétillant Naturel (“Pet Nat”) Rosé, which is to say that—after making a base dry wine—they bottle it with a small amount of yeast and sugar to produce a sparkling wine. Unlike most sparkling wines, they do disgorge the wine, instead allowing the spent yeast to continue providing flavors and complexity. Highlit is bright and refreshing with fresh apples and light cranberry notes making it almost too easy to enjoy. It is perfect for your porch at sunset or as a glass before dinner.
89 Vince Simmon