These grapes were sourced from a vineyard farmed by John and John Noer in Verona in the Shenandoah Valley. Frederick loam soils with limestone and sandstone. Both grapes were pressed together slowly and gently as they do in Champagne, high acid, fermented spontaneously, half in stainless and half in neutral French oak 500L puncheon. The wine aged on its lees until filtration and bottling in March 2023.

Low Intervention 

Grape Varieties: 57% Pinot Gris, 43% Pinot blanc
Alcohol 11.5%
Size 750 ML
Pairings Pair with Friday night comfort foods like parmesan-crusted chicken & garlic mashed potatoes. Or enjoy with truffle kettle chips or popcorn for a relaxing night in.

 

About the Producer
Originally the plan was to produce a traditional method sparkling, but as the makers rushed to open the Commonwealth Crush facility in time for their inaugural 2022 harvest, they just missed the window for picking the fruit in time for that. With a love of Coteaux Champenois still wines - their high acid especially - they were more than happy to pivot in that direction. Hence the name "The Artist Formerly Known As Sparkling". As a lifelong musician and guitarist, this name of course is also inspired by the late, great, and inimitable Prince Rogers Nelson!

Co-Founder, Strategy & Finance for Common Wealth Crush Co., Patt Eagan began his wine career nearly to the day he turned 21, inspired to follow in the footsteps of his champagne-producing French cousins. He moved to Charlottesville in 2012 to join the opening team at Early Mountain Vineyards where he spent 7 years working across hospitality, winemaking, distribution and strategy functions. He and fellow co-founders Ben and Tim Jordan began pursuing their concept for CWC upon Patt entering the MBA program at UVA’s Darden School of Business. Today, in addition to overseeing CWC’s finance and strategy, Patt serves as VP Strategy for Shadow Search, a DC-based boutique talent consultancy, and Venture Partner with Fairbridge Park, a NYC-based venture capital firm.