WineLovers Discussion Group

Three sparkling rosés

I rarely get overly excited about pink table wines, with the possible exception of intense, dry Provence-style rosé on a hot summer's day. But true rosé Champagne - not the deservedly maligneddomestic "pink champagne" - is a whole 'nother story, as the color here usually signals the presence of Pinot Noir in the blend, a wine-making decision that usually rings the bell for me.

This year over New Year's weekend we sampled three decent pink bubblies - a very fine California sparkling wine, an appealing Champagne-style bubbly from Alsace, and a fine if rather sharply acidic Champagne. Signaling sparkling wine's affinity for food, we didn't merely toast with them but enjoyed the California sparkler with a buffet selection of French Morbier and St. André cheeses and assorted other nibbles.The two French wines served not only to celebrate New Year's eve but served very well to wash down a spicy Indian-style dinner of lamb and cauliflower curries.

Unfortunately I've misplaced my price receipt, but the "J" Russian River Valley Brut was in the middle $20s, the Pierre Sparr well under $20, and the Egly-Ouriet Champagne about $50.

<table border="0" align="right" width="160"><tr><td><img src="http://www.wineloverspage.com/graphics1/j1230.jpg" border="1" align="right"></td></tr></table>J. Vineyards & Winery NV "J" Russian River Valley Brut Rosé

This clear, pale-gold wine produces robust, fountain-like streams of mini-bubbles; it shows no real sign of pink beyond perhaps the shyest blush. Excellent aromas focus on golden plums and a hint of cocoa. Creamy carbonation boosts a full, velvety mouthfeel, fresh and nicely balanced. Exceptional quality in a California sparkling wine. (Dec. 30, 2006)

<B>WEB LINK:</B> http://www.jwine.com/home/

<B>BUY THIS WINE ONLINE:</B> Check listings on Wine-Searcher.com,
[url=http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/J%2bRussian%2bBrut/-/-/USD/A?referring_site=WLP]http://www.wine-searcher.com/
find/J%2bRussian%2bBrut/-/-/USD/A?referring_site=WLP[/url]

<table border="0" align="left" width="170"><tr><td><img src="http://www.wineloverspage.com/graphics1/spar1231.jpg" border="1" align="left"></td></tr></table>Pierre Sparr NV Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé

Clear reddish-orange, rather dark for a ros&eacute;, it almost approaches the light red color of a Bourgogne Pinot Noir. Attractive cherry-berry scent adds hints of toast and rising bread dough. Crisp, light and dry, prickly carbonation and fresh acidity surround subtle berry fruit on the palate. Good balance, crisp and refreshing, a little on the light side for Pinot-based bubbly. U.S. importer: W.J. Deutsch and Sons Ltd., Harrison, N.Y. (Dec. 31, 2006)

<B>WEB LINK:</B> http://www.alsace-wines.com

<B>BUY THIS WINE ONLINE:</B> Check listings on Wine-Searcher.com,
[url=http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Sparr%2bCremant%2bRose/-/-/USD/A?referring_site=WLP]http://www.wine-searcher.com/
find/Sparr%2bCremant%2bRose/-/-/USD/A?referring_site=WLP[/url]

<table border="0" align="right" width="180"><tr><td><img src="http://www.wineloverspage.com/graphics1/egly1231.jpg" border="1" align="right"></td></tr></table>Egly-Ouriet NV Champagne Ambonnay Grand Cru

Clear copper color, pale but intensely hued, with a lasting bubble stream. Lovely Pinot scents, delicate plums and berries, display true Pinot varietal character, albeit more subtle, more "transparent," than you'd find in a still Pinot Noir. It's not so subtle in the flavor, though, with red-berry fruit and milk chocolate, creamy carbonation and tart, almost sharp acidity in a long finish. U.S. importer: Vintner Select, Mason, Ohio, and other regional importers. (Dec. 31, 2006)

<B>WEB LINK:</B> [url=http://www.skurnikwines.com/prospects.cgi?rm=view_prospect_detail&prospect_id=227]http://www.skurnikwines.com/
prospects.cgi?rm=view_prospect_detail&prospect_id=227[/url]

<B>BUY THIS WINE ONLINE:</B> Check listings on Wine-Searcher.com,
[url=http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Egly%2bOuriet%2bRose/-/-/USD/A?referring_site=WLP]http://www.wine-searcher.com/
find/Egly%2bOuriet%2bRose/-/-/USD/A?referring_site=WLP[/url]

What, no Billecart-Salmon?

Dave Erickson wrote:What, no Billecart-Salmon?

I wish! I've had Billie-cart several times in Australia and loved it, but I've never seen it for sale at retail hereabouts. I assume its importer is one of the few who doesn't distribute in Kentucky, or at least so little makes it here that I can never find any.