SPARKLING ROSÉ
Ahh… tis the season for bubbly and more bubbly. But of course, those in the wine trade would like to encourage wine consumers to drink sparkling wine anytime throughout the year and at any time of day. I like to drink sparkling before eating as it prepares the palate for all the yumminess to come, but I do have to admit it is always a fun to drink bubbly when there is something to celebrate like spending Christmas with family and friends and ringing in the New Year.
Since there is always so much focus on white sparkling wines this time of year, I would like to remind you that those wines of the more salmon/pink color, commonly referred to as Sparkling Rosé, can be just as pleasant on the palate as they are festive in color.
Traditional sparkling wines are made from two common grape varieties, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, as well as a third lesser known variety called Pinot Meunier. When making white sparkling wines, prior to fermentation the skins are separated quickly from the juice so as to not extract any pink or red color from the Pinot Noir and/or Pinot Meunier grapes. However, when making red or pink sparkling wines, the juice is left on the skins and can even be fermented with the skins in order to extract more color.
The following Sparkling Rosé suggestions are all of amazing quality and are great with light fare or to be consumed as a cocktail. Remember – this is not a gender specific beverage and can be enjoyed by all! So have fun with your bubbly this holiday season and drink the pink! Cheers!
Schramsburg Brut Rosé, $32.99 (California)
The Schramsburg Rosé is made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes grown in the cooler Napa and Sonoma growing regions which include Carneros and Anderson Valley. Schramsburg is credited with being ‘America’s First House of Sparkling Wine’ and the family has perfected their sparkling winemaking techniques to create wines of rich complexity and flavor. This dry rosé yields aromas and flavors of bright red fruits, yeast and crisp acidity. The bubbles do not dissipate too quickly so you can savor them throughout the length of the finish.
Availability: Check your local Fine Wine Shop or go to http://www.schramsberg.com/index.html.
Veuve Cliquot Brut Rosé, $54.99 (France)
This Rosé is made from all three traditional sparkling wine grapes – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. On the nose, aromas of red fruits such as strawberry, raspberry, and cherry which give way into bready notes. You will find the same fruits on the palate but with the addition of a yeasty flavor and incredible balance of fruit and complexity. This is truly and elegant sparkling Rosé, but you would expect nothing less from one of the most famous Champagne houses in the world.
Availability: Check your local Fine Wine Shop or BevMo!
Jansz Premium Sparkling Rosé, $21.99 (Australia)
This is one of my favorite sparklings from Australia as it is very affordable and always delivers on quality and flavor. This Rosé has an intense, bright pink hue with a very fine and persistent bead (the bubbles in the glass that float to the top; the finer and more persistent they are, the higher the quality). Fresh fruit aromas and flavors of cherry blossoms and strawberry are complimented by the wine’s fresh, natural acidity. As this is a great wine for any occasion (dinner party, celebration, gift, etc) and is such a fantastic price, I would recommend purchasing more than one.
Availability: Check your local Fine Wine Shop or go to http://www.jansztas.com.
Domaine Chandon Brut Rosé, $15.99 (California)
Domaine Chandon is known for producing excellent quality sparkling wines at all price points and if you are new to Sparkling Rosé, this is a great wine to try as it focuses on bring out the fruitiness of the grapes and won’t break the bank. This wine has intense aromas of strawberry and red cherry, with slight hints of crisp apple and stone fruit. The delicious fruity aromas also show through on the rich, creamy palate.
Availability: Check your local Fine Wine Shop or BevMo!
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