The most delicious, beautiful, incredible sparkling wine I’ve had in 2025!
Pricing is available while supplies last.
SALE CLOSES MONDAY, JUNE 2, 2025, at noon.
ALL WINES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PICKUP starting WEDNESDAY, June 4.
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Mark Vlossak and I, March 2025
Hi everyone –
After last week’s Barolo offer, with 11 different wines across multiple vineyards and vintages, it’s time for a smaller and simpler offer. And I have just the wine for it.
This is the best sparkling wine I’ve had so far in 2025. That’s no bullshit. When it comes to sparkling wine, this stopped me in my tracks, and I immediately grabbed all the inventory I could for this offer.
It’s also from one of my favorite winemakers on the planet.
Mark and the team at Solo Vino
The winemaker: Mark Vlossak of St. Innocent
I’ve been honored to know Mark for over fifteen years and became quite close to him when I attended Pinot Camp in 2012. He has had a profound influence on my wine thinking, from terroir to winemaking, and on the Willamette Valley and Burgundy. When it comes to raw wine knowledge, he’s essentially a genius.
He might very well be the best winemaker in the Willamette Valley. That’s not just my opinion, but the opinion of many.
Mark Vlossak is a fanatical, obsessive, detail-oriented, stubborn, humble, and genius winemaker. During our visit to the Willamette Valley two weeks ago, the lunch at St. Innocent was a highlight. He and his wife, Vikkianne, and daughter, Mackenzie, cooked lunch for our group, and Mark paired two wines with each course to perfection. All the while, Mark regaled us with incredible stories from his nearly forty years of winemaking. It was the best winery visit I’ve ever had in my life.
2020 Cremant Rosé by St. Innocent
It’s called Cremant by Mark to highlight the soft, velvety, frothy nature of this particular wine. It’s made using the traditional (Champagne) method, and was inspired by the amazing rosé bubblies of Alsace.
The blend consists of 13% Pinot Noir and 87% Pinot Blanc. 100% of the grapes come from the famous Freedom Hill Vineyard.
The juice was fermented to dryness, rested on the lees for 8 months, underwent a second fermentation in the bottle, and was then aged for over three years before being riddled and disgorged (both processes were performed by hand).
Only 188 cases were produced, and only 48 bottles made it to Minnesota. We have 35 available to offer through Solo Vino.
From Mark: “This blend of Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir results in unusually complex aromas, flavors, and textures. It is particularly interesting with savory foods like grilled fish, lamb, and pork. Enjoy it over the next four years.
My tasting note
Look at that color! Intense, beautiful, vibrant. The bubbles are fine and precise.
The nose is a bouquet of fresh red berries, ripe strawberries, and a hint of crisp green apple, complemented by subtle notes of brioche and a touch of floral nuances. It’s wildly complex.
On the palate, it is a celebration of balance, with a vibrant acidity that dances gracefully with its creamy texture. It’s crazy how delicious this wine is. Flavors of tart cherry, raspberry, and a kiss of citrus zest linger, while the finish is long and satisfying, with a mineral undertone that speaks of the fine winemaking and top-quality fruit.
This sparkling rosé is not just a wine; it’s an experience, a testament to the art of winemaking, and a perfect accompaniment to any celebration or romantic evening. I hope that doesn’t sound like hyperbole, but it’s true. I slowly and patiently savored every drop of this in my glass.
Jason Kallsen
Sommelier and founder/owner of Twin Cities Wine Education
Offer and special pricing are available as inventory lasts