I prefer to keep
Valentine’s Day special, yet simple. A glass of pink champagne is
perfect for setting the mood for romance.
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| Champagne at a treehouse suite, Chewton Glen |
If your loved one is worth spoiling then it has to be a good
rosé champagne. Cava, prosecco and crémants are all fizzes, but they are
not champagne and don’t expect them to taste the same. Console yourself with
the fact that cracking open a bottle of rosé champagne at home is cheaper than
splashing out on a couple of glasses in a restaurant.
There are two ways of producing this seductive drink. One is
to add a small amount of red wine to the white wine, the other is, after
pressing, leaving the skins of the black grapes to impart a small amount of
colour into the juice of the white grapes.
Not with a partner? I love how the Mexicans celebrate this
day known as El Dia del Amor y la Amistad (the day of love and friendship). It
is not just for lovers, but it is also the day to show people how much you
appreciate them. A good enough reason to crack open a bottle of good bubbly.
Here are the top choices:
Billecart-Salmon, Brut Rosé, £60, bbr.com
Oscar Malek, head sommelier at the luxurious hotel and spa, Chewton Glen, at the edge of the New Forest, recommends Billecart-Salmon for its elegant and refined style. Bursting with tangs of raspberry, this is one of the most consistent and delicious rosés on the market.
Oscar Malek, head sommelier at the luxurious hotel and spa, Chewton Glen, at the edge of the New Forest, recommends Billecart-Salmon for its elegant and refined style. Bursting with tangs of raspberry, this is one of the most consistent and delicious rosés on the market.
(Until 14 Feb buy a bottle of Brut Rosé, Blanc de Blancs
Grand Cru or Vintage 2004 and receive a complimentary half bottle
of Brut Rosé, at selected retailers only. (For more info visit
champagne-billecart.fr)
Gosset Grand Rosé, £64.99, Selfridges
Another revered champagne and one that Oscar rates highly. The colour of crushed coppery-pink rose petals and packed with strawberry flavours, this rich full-bodied champagne seduces you with every mouthful you savour. Lingers long on the palate. Divine!
Another revered champagne and one that Oscar rates highly. The colour of crushed coppery-pink rose petals and packed with strawberry flavours, this rich full-bodied champagne seduces you with every mouthful you savour. Lingers long on the palate. Divine!
Ruinart Rosé, £54, bbr.com
Also recommended by Oscar is this gem from Ruinart, the oldest champagne house, founded in 1729. Made with a high proportion of chardonnay, it is an intense elegant fruity wine with just the right amount of freshness. Renowned as one of the best rosé champagnes, this silky smooth wine deserves its reputation; it is exquisite!
Also recommended by Oscar is this gem from Ruinart, the oldest champagne house, founded in 1729. Made with a high proportion of chardonnay, it is an intense elegant fruity wine with just the right amount of freshness. Renowned as one of the best rosé champagnes, this silky smooth wine deserves its reputation; it is exquisite!
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Champagne R&L Legras Rosé, £39.99, bbr.com
The champagnes from this house are found on several listings of the Michelin restaurants of Paris. Predominately chardonnay with a touch of pinot noir, this is a lovely zesty rosé bursting with fruit. A gorgeously constructed wine.
The champagnes from this house are found on several listings of the Michelin restaurants of Paris. Predominately chardonnay with a touch of pinot noir, this is a lovely zesty rosé bursting with fruit. A gorgeously constructed wine.
By Daralyn Danns
