How Are They Made?
Rosé Champagne are generally made in the same way as normal sparkling wines. However, to get that beautiful Rosé color, an extra step is needed. In general, there are two basic ways that this is accomplished:- Blending: Many rose Champagnes are made by blending in a red still wine with a basic white Champagne. In other words, the producers ferment some red grapes separately to make a basic red wine and this is later blended in with the white Champagne. This is the most common method.
- Rosé de Saignée: Some producers make a rosé by simply allowing the wine to have more contact with the red grape skins than normally is allowed for Champagne. Normally, Champagne, which can include two red grape varieties, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, is made by pressing the juice from the grapes early so that the juice cannot pick up red pigment from the red grape skins. This leaves a white juice which can be fermented into white wine. However, in a Rosé de Saignée the juice is allowed to sit for a longer period in contact with the red grape skins, picking up some of the red pigment. The subsequent sparkling wine will have this light red color.
What Do They Taste Like and
What Foods Do You Eat with Them?
Rosé Champagne can vary quite a bit depending on the grapes used, the method of production and the house style. However, in general, Rosés tend to have a bit more red fruit aroma and flavor than regular Champagne, as you might expect. Fresh aromas of strawberries or raspberries often accompany the other typical aromas. In flavor and mouthfeel they also tend to be a bit richer, bigger and rounder.
Rose Champagne can accompany all sorts of food, as can blanc Champagne. Great with spicy Indian food, these are actually pretty versatile at table. However, as everyone knows, much Champagne is enjoyed simply for its celebratory feeling. Rosé Champagne has an added "sexiness" or romance to it that makes it a favorite for romantic dinners or Valentine's Day celebrations. But really, these are just excuses...anyday can be made better with a delicious glass of Champagne!
Mirrors on the ceiling,
The pink champagne on ice
And she said "We are all just prisoners here, of our own device"
And in the master's chambers,
They gathered for the feast
They stab it with their steely knives,
But they just can't kill the beast
The pink champagne on ice
And she said "We are all just prisoners here, of our own device"
And in the master's chambers,
They gathered for the feast
They stab it with their steely knives,
But they just can't kill the beast
California Hotel - The Eagles - February 1977
