Rose tints Sparkling rose is often thought of as light and simple but it can be hefty and rich, and a great match with food. The wine gets its pretty-in-pink colour in one of two ways: by blending a dollop of red wine into white bubbly just before bottling or by putting red-grape skins in the juice for a few hours at the beginning of fermentation. It comes in hues ranging from pale salmon to candy floss to cranberry.
Domaine Carneros Cuvee de la Pompadour brut rose NV, California (right)
The delicacy of this wine attests to its joint-venture pedigree with famed champagne house Taittinger. Ethereal salmon-pink colour with pink glints. Restrained lemon biscuit aroma with dried orange peel and subtle hints of strawberry and red berry. Mouth-coating with a slightly warm finish. Serve properly chilled.
Available for HK$382 at California Grapes International (tel: 6473 2564)
Lucien Albrecht Brut Rose Cremant d'Alsace NV, France
Light salmon colour with orange glints. Ripe nectarine, pomegranate and citrus fruit accented with dried flowers. Fine texture, refreshing acidity and substantial length. Invigorating, fine bead (bubbles). Beware, this wine has a sweetness that makes it easy to denigrate, but don't. Instead, serve it with spicy chilli prawns.