Ask most wine drinkers about the most romantic bottles for special occasions, and one style is sure to come up time and time again: sparkling rosé.
It makes sense, given its lovely pink hue and the celebratory nature of bubbles. “It’s the pinks and reds, we associate these with romance,” says Wine Enthusiast Tasting Director Anna-Christina Cabrales, a Champagne superfan. “There’s also just something about hearing the pop of a cork, you know something special is about to happen.”
These beautiful bubbles get their blush hue from the skins of black-skinned grapes, conveyed either via blending in still red wine or allowing juice to undergo a short period of skin contact (a process known as saignée). The shades of the resulting wines can span from light salmon all the way to rich, almost blood red.
Meanwhile, flavors can range from white strawberry, watermelon and red fruits to savory notes, like bacon, herbs and spices including clove, black pepper, tarragon, mint and thyme. All of these elements make the category incredibly diverse and well-suited for a wide variety of palates. “People don’t seem to understand the versatility of sparkling rosé,” says Cabrales.
These rose-tinted wines, which are now produced around the globe, pair well with all kinds of dishes, from tuna steaks and pork chops to rich Wagyu beef—yet another reason any one of the the bottles listed below are ideal for the holiday of love. Start with caviar or oysters and move onto steak, quail or even veal Milanese before digging into dessert.
“If you want to stick to one wine and one wine only, you can absolutely do it with sparkling rosé,” says Cabrales. The texture and, in many cases, minerality of top sparkling rosés add depth throughout the meal, she says, and can help to elevate certain aspects of meatier dishes.
Whether you’re planning on picking up a bottle for a singles party or a sentimental dinner with that special someone, here are the top sparkling rosés to elevate Valentine’s Day or, really, any celebration.
Best Domestic
Soter 2019 Mineral Springs Brut Rosé Sparkling (Yamhill-Carlton)
This pink sparkling wine is 81% Pinot Noir, 19% Chardonnay and 100% satisfying. The show begins with energetic bubbles delivering aromas of raspberry sorbet and fresh peach slices served on a stroopwafel. The flavors are an equally compelling mix of framboise, brioche and crushed walnuts, with a texture as brisk as a winter walk. Editor’s Choice. 95 Points — Michael Alberty
$ Varies Wine-SearcherBest to Pair with Steak
Bodegas Escudero NV Dioro Baco Brut Rosado Pinot Noir Pinot Noir (Cava)
This deep-apricot-colored wine has a steady stream of effervescence that releases a bouquet of green apple, yellow cherry and sage leaf. It is round on the palate, with enticing mouthfeel and nectarine, gooseberry and cocoa butter flavors and a lingering hint of espresso bean. 94 Points — Mike DeSimone
$ Varies Wine-SearcherBest Value Rosé Champagne
Alexandre Bonnet NV Rosé des Riceys Brut Pinot Noir (Champagne)
The southernmost commune in Champagne, nearly in Bourgogne, Les Riceys is well known for its Pinot Noir rosé still wines. As a Champagne, the wine is crisp with touches of red fruits, surrounded by citrus and a mineral texture. The wine is ready to drink. 90 Points — Roger Voss
Keg N BottleBest Hidden Gem
Jansz 2018 Vintage Rosé Sparkling (Tasmania)
A pale-pink color, this is an aromatic, sweet-fruited rosé bubbly, with notes of candied watermelon, strawberry and peach juice, and white pepper beneath. The palate comes with a gentle creamy texture and a pleasant lift of bubbles and acidity. It’s a straightforward but harmonious spring and summer sipper. 91 Points — Christina Pickard
$28 Total Wine & MoreBest Crowd-Pleaser
Mumm Napa 2016 Brut Rosé Sparkling (Napa Valley)
With 52% Pinot Noir and 48% Chardonnay, this rosé is lively, rich and round, with a creamy mousse adorned in stone fruit and dark cherry. The acidity helps to temper its inviting sweetness. 91 Points — Virginie Boone
$16 Total Wine & MoreBest to Pair with Seafood
Contratto 2018 For England Rosé Pas Dosé Pinot Noir (Alta Langa)
Loads of citrus, leaning toward bitter orange and ruby red grapefruit, emerge from this wine. The palate is tart and zippy, with a touch of green guava candy, bright acidity and great structure finishing with a tight and persistent perlage. 92 Points — Jeff Porter
$ Varies Wine-SearcherBest Budget
Codorníu NV Brut Rosé Limited Edition Sparkling (Cava)
The color of an autumn sunset, this lightly effervescent wine has aromas of guava, brioche and thyme. It offers a sense of sophistication on the palate, with flavors of peach, grapefruit, dried Mediterranean herbs and baking bread. Bright notes fade into a citrus-splashed finish. 91 Points — M.D.
$11 Total Wine & MoreBest to Drink Straight
Piper Sonoma NV Brut Rosé Sparkling (Sonoma County)
Mango, pineapple and strawberry flavors highlight this bright and lengthy sparkler, which combines 53% Chardonnay, 39% Pinot Noir, 6% Pinot Blanc and 2% aged reserve blend. Bright and lengthy, it impresses and overdelivers on its price point. 91 Points — V.B.
$20 Total Wine & MoreBest Franciacorta
Bellavista 2018 Rosé Chardonnay-Pinot Nero (Franciacorta)
Notes of strawberry, cranberry and fresh rose create a lifted and vibrant aromatic profile. The wine exhibits a touch of blood orange zest finishing with crisp acidity, a lively perlage and an enduring finish. 93 Points — J.P.
$ Varies Wine-SearcherBest Champagne
Charles Heidsieck NV Réserve Brut Rosé (Champagne)
Pale in color, this fragrant wine has some bottle age that gives a toast and almond character. Ripe strawberry flavors balance between softness and a crisp, tight aftertaste. It is ready to drink. 91 Points — R.V.
$209 Total Wine & MoreWhy You Should Trust Us
All products featured here are independently selected by our team, which is comprised of experienced writers and wine tasters and overseen by editorial professionals at Wine Enthusiast headquarters. All ratings and reviews are performed blind in a controlled setting and reflect the parameters of our 100-point scale. Wine Enthusiast does not accept payment to conduct any product review, though we may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this site. Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
Published: January 29, 2024
