Let’s face it: This week is all about the sparkles. Between New Year’s Eve, the weekend leading up to it, and the entire work-from-home-while-drinking-mimosas week that some of us find ourselves in, it’s pretty certain that bubbles will be prevalent more often than not. We’re looking to add a dash of color to our sipping-in-sweatpants routine this week with one of our favorites: rosé. Sparkling rosés are the total package; fun, festive, and flavorful, these wines are sure to brighten even the grayest of winter days. Best of all, rosé sparklers don’t have to cost you a fortune. Pop one of these bottles of pink to add some pizzazz to the final week of 2016!
Lini ‘Labrusca” Lambrusco Rosato
This rosé Lambrusco from Emilia-Romagna presents bright, fruit flavors of cherry and strawberry. Persistent bubbles and good structure make this wine a perfect pairing for cured meats and Parmesan cheese, which are the cuisine of the region.
Average price: $17
Treveri Cellars Sparkling Rosé
This domestic bubbly hails from the Yakima Valley of Washington, showing crisp flavors of berries and citrus. The unique Syrah/Chardonnay blend creates a sturdy structure for the wine, making it a great pairing for a variety of hors d’oeuvres.
Average price: $16
Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rosé
For a solid bottle of classy bubbles, look no further than Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Rosé Champagne. Crafted from 90 percent red grapes and 10 percent Chardonnay, the wine is full-bodied and crisp, with flavors of redcurrant and cranberry. But the best part is surely that purchasing a bottle won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Average price: $47
Naveran Brut Vintage Rosado
The Naveran family began producing wines in the Penedes region of Spain in 1901, using Champagne methods to create its extraordinary Cava. At 60 percent Pinot Noir and 40 percent Parellada, the flavor profile is versatile enough to serve as an aperitif or to pair with dessert after dinner. This grower rosé Cava spends 18 months on its lees, creating a toasty complexity and long-lasting bubbles. A real steal.
Average price: $16
Ruhlmann Crémant d’Alsace Rosé Brut NV
The Ruhlmann family, located in Dambach-la-Ville, has been making wines in the Alsace region of France since 1688. Its rosé crémant is 100 percent Pinot Noir and is produced in the methode champenoise. Pale pink with light, soft bubbles, the wine presents flavors of fresh citrus and strawberry, creating a pleasantly refreshing palate. Choose this bottle for an extremely elegant aperitif.
Average price: $22
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé
If you’re looking for a rosé Champagne to impress dinner guests, celebrate with, or simply treat yourself to, Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé is the answer. Pale pink with hues of gold, the wine presents juicy, fresh flavors of citrus and pear. Delicate yet persistent bubbles lead to a lasting, savory finish. A slight splurge, but truly worth every penny.
Average price: $88
Bouvet Excellence Brut Rosé
Bouvet’s sparkling rosé is another bang-for-your-buck option that we can’t get enough of. The earthy, dry palate of ripe red fruit comes from 100 percent Cabernet Franc, macerated on its skins and aged in stainless steel. Secondary fermentation takes place in bottle, just like in Champagne production, giving way to salmon-colored wine with pleasant bubbles. Pairs equally well with grilled chicken or fresh fruit salad; to call it versatile would be an understatement.
Average price: $15