February is upon us following a few rather icy weeks (and we’re not just talking weather) but there’s a warm front coming mid month with Valentine’s Day on the 14th. So what should the liberal, Metropolitan-line elite be drinking to celebrate? The alleged Valentine’s history is grisly and a far cry from hearts and cupids but rather than spoil the romance we’ll stick to looking at Barbara Cartland coloured bubbly.
How does Champagne get its pink hue? There are two methods. The first is to add a little red wine to the white base. Champagne is the only appellation allowed to blend red and white wine to create rosé, it’s illegal everywhere else. The second is to use the champagne red grapes, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and leave the grape skins in contact with the juice for just a few hours after pressing to allow just a little colour to bleed into the ferment. This is known as ‘saigne’, from the French for blood.
We also look at a couple of good value Italian Rosé Sparklers. These wines undergo their second fermentation (that gives them the bubbles) in tank, unlike Champagne, which takes place in the bottle. Their pretty pink robes come from the addition of small quantities of red grapes blended with the whites during the first fermentation. WB
Wackus Bacchus tastes the fizz
Oudinot Rosé Champagne NV, £24 ( from £29 until 28 Feb) , M&S
Deeper pale pink, with very fine mousse. Serious strawberry aromas, dreamily, creamy palate and lovely elegance on the finish. Go on, spoil her…..
Waitrose Rosé Champagne NV £19.99 (from £24.99) until 21 Feb, Waitrose
Made from 100% Pinot Noir and quite deep in colour. Elegant nose, and serious on the palate, an excellent example of rose made from this varietal. Could be drunk with the starter.
Oeil de Perdrix Rosé NV Champagne £23.99, Mix six £18.99 Majestic
Gorgeous packaging, pale salmon pink colour, delicate nose, lovely balanced fruit, lovely depth of flavour and perfectly poised balance.
Bellanté Italian Sparkling Rosé, £10, M&S
Very pretty, pale pink colour, fine bubbles, delicate strawberry ice cream nose with a soft gentle fruity palate. So lovely and clean and refreshing.
San Leo Rosato NV Italy £6.99 (from £10.49) until 21 Feb, Waitrose
One of Waitrose’s most popular fizzes and you can see why. Subtle on the nose, clean and fruity on the palate with a slightly drier finish
