Valentine’s Day is around the corner and that has us thinking about one of our favorite wine categories…Rosé Champagne! There is something about the tiny pink bubbles with aromas of red berries and then the crisp acidity on the palate that leaves us always returning for more.
Here is a list of a few of our favorites and remember to drink pink this weekend!
Laurent Perrier Cuveé Rosé
This is an iconic and very recognizable champagne for good reason. It is made from 100% pinot noir grapes and the rosé color comes from the gentle pressing of the skins for up to 72 hours before fermenting. Many other champagne houses get the pink color from mixing in a little still red still wine from pinot noir or pinot meunier grapes. The former method giving the wine more freshness and elegance with the latter giving more robust flavors and body.
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé is known for a certain freshness and finesse that has become one of the benchmarks of rosé champagne. They have over 200 years of history and now have the seventh generation of family running the champagne house. It was not until the 1970’s that they started making the brut rosé but it immediately became their flagship cuveé.
Ruinart Brut Rosé
Maison Ruinart is the first established champagne house…dating back to 1729. In 1764, Ruinart shipped the first champagne rosé across Europe and they have kept the same quality for over 250 years. Their chalk crayères (caves) are a unique place to visit and are even a UNESCO World Heritage site. The caves were carved out in the middle ages and have been used to age the champagne from the 1800’s to now.
Charles Heidsieck Reserve Rosé
Charles Heidsieck founded his champagne house in 1851 at the age of 29. In 1852, he came to the US to tap into an untouched champagne market. He quickly became a prominent figure in fashionable society and earned the nickname “Champagne Charlie”. 20% of the reserve rosé is made up of aged reserve wines to give the champagne both freshness and complexity.
Krug Rosé
Krug was founded in 1843. However, their rosé champagne is a relative newcomer. They first produced it in 1983. This is a vintage champagne and is aged in the cellars for around seven years. Their current vintage is 2012. Krug’s style is one of more complexity and depth. In fact, they recommend their rosé can replace a good glass of red at the table.
