Rosé Champagne
2018 GOLD: 1 SILVER: 4 BRONZE: 3 COMMENDED: 6
2017 GOLD: 4 SILVER: 4 BRONZE: 1 COMMENDED: 4
Champagne’s indifferent Sommelier Wine Awards continued into rosé. Yes, this category can sometimes flatter to deceive (and the generally high prices don’t help), but at a time when all things pink are still seriously trendy, this was a poor performance. One gold was the worst rosé performance since 2014 – the region was even outscored by England!
Moreover, there seemed to be a general shrugging of the shoulders from our tasters. Did they care? Not really. Some don’t even feel the need to stock it at all any more.
FROM THE TASTING TEAMS
‘Some would fit in with a gastropub, some were more for fine dining. Some could be enjoyed on their own, some with food. Rosé champagne is a must-list.’ Robert Mason, Cheese at Leadenhall
‘The cheapest especially had good food matching potential. They often work well with Indian and Asian cuisine.’ Sumita Sarma, Sumilier
‘We have a white and a rosé champagne on our list for the same price, and I sell a lot more of the rosé than the white. I found a really good one from the south of the region, and it’s even cheaper than our house champagne.’ Adam Michocki, Glasshouse
‘Generally we agreed that they were pretty well made. They delivered well at the lower end, then there was a dip in the middle before coming back at the top end.’ Nigel Lister, team leader
‘We only ever have two champagnes: a grower champagne and a grande marque. We haven’t stocked a rosé champagne for years. There just wasn’t a market for it.’ James Fryer, Woodhead 17
‘Often people go for champagne just because it’s champagne, not because of the quality. Sometimes others like Franciacorta can be better for the price.’ Janusz Pawel Sasiadek, Bottles & Battles