Oct 13, 2022

Sparkling Rosé 101

What is Sparkling Rosé Wine?

Sparkling rosé wine is a type of wine that is made from red grapes and has bubbles, like champagne. The bubbles are created through the process of fermentation, during which the carbon dioxide produced by the yeast is trapped in the wine. Sparkling rosé wine is usually pink in color, and can range from pale to deep pink, depending on the grapes used and the winemaking process.

There are several different methods for making sparkling rosé wine, but the traditional method involves adding a small amount of still red wine to the sparkling wine base before it is bottled. This gives the wine its distinctive pink color and adds some additional flavor and complexity.

Sparkling rosé wine is known for its fruity flavor and refreshing taste, and is often enjoyed as an aperitif or with a meal. It pairs well with a wide variety of foods, including seafood, salads, and light cheeses. Many people also enjoy it on its own as a refreshing and sophisticated drink.

Overall, sparkling rosé wine is a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations, and is a versatile and tasty option for anyone who enjoys bubbles and the unique flavors of red wine.

What is the history of Sparkling Rosé?

The history of sparkling rosé wine is closely linked to the history of sparkling wine in general. Sparkling wine has been made for centuries, with the first recorded mention dating back to the early 17th century.

Sparkling rosé wine, which is made by adding a small amount of still red wine to the sparkling wine base, is a relatively recent development. The first recorded mention of sparkling rosé wine was in the 19th century, although it is likely that it was being made long before then.

Sparkling rosé wine has become increasingly popular in recent years, and is now produced in many wine-growing regions around the world. It is often enjoyed as an aperitif or with a meal, and is a popular choice for special occasions and celebrations.

What pairs well with Sparkling Rosé?

Sparkling rosé wine pairs well with a wide variety of foods, including seafood, salads, and light cheeses. Some specific dishes that go well with sparkling rosé wine include:

Oysters: The salty and briny flavors of oysters are a great match for the crisp and refreshing taste of sparkling rosé wine.

Sushi: The light and delicate flavors of sushi are complemented by the fruity and refreshing taste of sparkling rosé wine.

Salad: The light and refreshing flavors of a salad go well with the bubbly and fruity flavors of sparkling rosé wine.

Cheese platters: Sparkling rosé wine pairs well with a variety of light and creamy cheeses, such as brie, camembert, and goat cheese.

Fried foods: The bubbles in sparkling rosé wine help to cut through the richness of fried foods, making it a great pairing with dishes like fried chicken or French fries.

In general, sparkling rosé wine goes well with light and refreshing foods that have a balance of flavors and textures. It's also a great choice as an aperitif on its own, or as a refreshing drink during a meal.

How is Sparkling Rosé made?

Here is an overview of the traditional method for making sparkling rosé wine:

Grapes are harvested and crushed to extract the juice, which is then fermented to create a base wine.

A small amount of still red wine is added to the base wine to give it its pink color and additional flavor.

The wine is then bottled and a mixture of sugar and yeast is added to the bottle.

The bottles are sealed and stored in a cool, dark place for a period of time (usually several months to a year or more).

During this time, the yeast consumes the sugar and produces carbon dioxide, which becomes trapped in the wine and creates the bubbles.

The bottles are then chilled and the sediment that has formed during fermentation is removed, either through riddling (turning the bottles upside down and slowly rotating them) or through the use of a centrifuge.

The wine is then ready to be enjoyed.

What grapes are used to make Sparkling Rosé?

Sparkling rosé wine can be made from a variety of red grapes, including:

Pinot noir: This grape is known for producing wine with a delicate flavor and a light to medium body. It is often used to make sparkling rosé wine with a pale pink color.

Gamay: This grape is known for producing wine with a fruity flavor and a light to medium body. It is often used to make sparkling rosé wine with a medium pink color.

Grenache: This grape is known for producing wine with a fruity flavor and a medium to full body. It is often used to make sparkling rosé wine with a deep pink color.

Cabernet sauvignon: This grape is known for producing wine with a full-bodied flavor and a strong tannin structure. It is often used to make sparkling rosé wine with a deep pink color.

Syrah: This grape is known for producing wine with a full-bodied flavor and a strong tannin structure. It is often used to make sparkling rosé wine with a deep pink color.

The specific grapes used to make sparkling rosé wine can vary depending on the region and the winemaker's preferences. Many winemakers blend different types of grapes to create a wine with a unique flavor profile.

What's the difference between Prosecco Rosé and Sparkling Rosé?

Prosecco rosé and sparkling rosé are both types of pink, sparkling wine. However, there are a few key differences between the two:

Grapes: Prosecco rosé is made from glera grapes, which are native to the Veneto region of Italy. Sparkling rosé can be made from a variety of red grapes, including Pinot noir, Gamay, Grenache, Cabernet sauvignon, and Syrah.

Production method: Prosecco rosé is made using the Charmat method, in which the wine undergoes a second fermentation in a large tank rather than in individual bottles. Sparkling rosé is traditionally made using the Champagne method, in which the wine undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle.

Flavor profile: Prosecco rosé tends to have a fruity, floral flavor with a medium body and moderate acidity. Sparkling rosé can vary in flavor depending on the grapes used and the winemaking method, but it is generally known for its fruity, refreshing taste and can range in body from light to full.

Overall, the main difference between Prosecco rosé and sparkling rosé is the grapes used and the production method, which results in differences in flavor and body.