Whether it’s served with leftovers or at an elegant dinner party, a chilled bottle of sparkling rosé should be at the ready. There’s just something about popping the cork and pouring a glass of pink bubbly that elevates the most mundane of moments and makes everyone smile with anticipation of something delicious.
Following are five magnificent sparkling rosés (sent as samples) that are sure to delight your senses. Enjoy each with a range of foods, an enthralling book read by the roaring fire or a classic Netflix movie cuddled up with a loved one. You’ll kick start any weeknight or special weekend into high gear as you savor each sip.
Four wines I sipped were made in the Méthode Champenoise (also known as Méthode Traditionnelle). After primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks, a Liqueur de Tirage, a blend of sugar and yeast, is added to the juice a few hours before bottling. A second fermentation takes place in the bottle for approximately three weeks. The bottles are carefully turned upside down so that the lees (sediment from the yeast) gather in the neck of the bottle. After a specified amount of time (the choice on the producer), the bottles are chilled to freeze the lees and opened. Once the lees are expelled, the Liqueur de Dosage is added. The bottle is then sealed and released after aging for a period of time.
Of course, there’s Champagne! Champagne Vollereaux Rosé de Saignée Brut NV ($54.99) is from sixth generation family-owned Champagne Vollereaux. Of 100% Pinot Noir, the Rosé de Saignée Brut spends three years on the lees, more than double the appellation’s requirement. Boasting never-ending effervescence and a beautiful raspberry color, I noted aromas and flavors of red berries, raspberries, strawberry shortcake, vanilla and hint of spice. Round and soft with a full mouthfeel, this is a rosé to enjoy from the first course of the meal to the last.
Nothing says “cheers!” like a glass of sparkling rosé and Ferrari Rosé NV ($35.99) of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from northern Italy spoke to me! Aromas of strawberries, fresh bread, red currants and flowers led to notes of toasted almonds and citrus. And those never-ending bubbles! Satisfy everyone’s Italian sparkling rosé desires with each pour of this memorable wine.
Frank Family Vineyards’ 2015 Brut Rosé ($55) is of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay from grapes cultivated in Carneros, California vineyards. Exceptional and elegant, I discovered balanced, zesty notes of cherries, strawberries and raspberries as well as orange peel, white florals and citrus fruit on both nose and palate. Bright acidity and energetic bubbles enhanced everything about this joyous bottle of sparkling wine.
From Frank Family Vineyards is 2016 Rouge ($55), a gorgeous sparkler of 73% Pinot Noir and 27% Chardonnay. An unexpected “wow!” was the color – a bright crimson red – thanks to the winemaker’s decision to leave the Pinot Noir juice in contact with the grape skins for a longer period of time. Brilliant aromas of fresh cut roses, snappy cherries and ripe strawberries led to flavors of crushed cranberries, baking spices and ever-so-creamy vanilla. For more about Frank Family Vineyards, click here.
Todd Graff, Winemaker at Frank Family Vineyards – Photo Credit: Frank Family Vineyards
Production of sparkling wine is also accomplished by using the Charmat Method whereby the second fermentation is in a stainless steel tank. The tanks are sealed before the first fermentation is finished in order to trap the CO2 and achieve the optimal level of carbonation. Because fermentation is stopped early, more sugar remains and alcohol levels are lower.
An example of sparkling rosé using the Charmat Method is Domaine Bousquet Rosé Brut ($13). This 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay blend is from the Bousquet family’s certified organic, high elevation (4000 feet) vineyards in Uco Valley, Argentina. Never-ending bubbles and light, refreshing notes of raspberries, strawberries, citrus and toast were absolutely delightful on the nose and palate. What a delicious bargain! For more about Domaine Bousquet, click here.
Photo Credit: Domain Bousquet
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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