Discover the Delight of Sparkling Rosé and Where to Find It in Europe
Often overlooked, sparkling rosé is a delightful alternative to standard fizz, offering some terrific food pairings. Combining two popular wine styles—rosé and sparkling—this wine is gaining popularity but still sells only a sixth of what standard sparkling wines do, according to retailer Majestic Wine.
The Allure of Sparkling Rosé
Sparkling rosé is enjoyed differently across various regions. In Provence, a famous rosé-producing area, the preference for still wine over sparkling might be due to the extra sugar often added to sparkling wines, whereas Provence rosé is typically dry. Conversely, in the Prosecco region, adding a dash of pinot noir gives the drink a fruity note.
Sparkling rosé is typically made by adding red wine to a still wine base before creating bubbles through secondary fermentation in the bottle, a method used for champagne and similar wines. Alternatively, some producers leave the juice in contact with dark-skinned grape skins.
Prices for sparkling rosé can vary significantly, influenced by the wine’s quality, aging process, and the reputation of the producer. Supermarket own-label champagne is generally cheaper than renowned brands like Billecart-Salmon, Laurent-Perrier, and Ruinart. Often, sparkling rosé costs more than its non-rosé counterpart due to the more expensive production process. For example, English producer Black Chalk uses its best pinot for their delicate rosé, requiring more work in the winery.
Sparkling Rosé as a Food Wine
Sparkling rosé’s strength as a food wine makes it interesting. Vintage rosé champagnes are often paired with red meat at gastronomic dinners, complementing dishes like steak tartare, carpaccio, and rare veal or lamb. The all-pink combination with grilled lobster is also spectacular.
The playful nature of pink fizz is exemplified by the trendy pétillant naturel (pet nat), a natural wine bottled after a few months rather than years. Rosé pet nat is fresh, fruity, and perfect for a sunny afternoon.
Five Sparkling Rosés to Try
- Adnams Pinot Noir Fizz Rosé
- This fabulously fruity French rosé is priced like prosecco but is much nicer and drier. Perfect for summer parties or picnics. £8.99.
- Cava Vilarnau Brut Rosé Reserva 2020
- An impressive Spanish sparkling rosado in a wonderfully elaborate bottle. Pairs well with robust tapas like gambas al ajillo. £13.99.
- Black Chalk Wild Rose 2020
- This raspberry-scented pink fizz from one of the UK’s most exciting young producers rivals champagne in quality. Enjoy with smoked salmon canapes. £43.
- Moussamoussettes 2021 Rene Mosse
- A joyous expression of summer, this pet nat is fizzy, hazy, and bursting with rhubarb and red berry fruit. Ideal for a summer’s day by the sea. £24.95.
- Devaux ‘Oeil de Perdrix’ Rosé Champagne
- Named after the delicate pink shade around a partridge’s eye, this pretty champagne with delicious red berry fruit pairs well with food like salmon. £29.99.