Pink bubbles suffer from stereotyping. When Jacob's Creek sparkling ros? won the trophy for the best wine to serve with braised abalone at last year's Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition, it caught the judges by surprise. While in Argentina this spring, I was startled to see men order sparkling rose with meals. At a recent champagne seminar, it was interest- ing to note most attendees expected the rose to be the cheapest of all the non-vintage sparklers, but, in fact, it's one of the most expensive. Clearly we have preconceived ideas about pink bubbles, not only on price and prestige but when, where and with what it should be sipped.
As part one of a two-part series on sparkling ros?s, what follows is an array of pink bubblies from Spain and Italy. Pop the corks on these wines and reveal some surprising truths.
Segura Viudas, Lavit Rosado Cava Brut, Spain (pictured)
Coral with cranberry hues. Earthy and flinty with toasty and yeasty notes. Soft, round bubbles. Red summer fruits emerge on palate. Well put together with classic old-world character. Excellent food match and great value.
Available for HK$98 at Watson's Wine Cellar (tel: 2606 8828)
Bonomi Tenuta Castellino Franciacorta Rose, Italy