Other Sparkling Rosé
This category is not, let’s be honest, going to be the first wine on any sommelier’s list. As our judges pointed out, rosé fizz basically means champagne, or possibly English or cava (plus, any time now, prosecco).
But that doesn’t mean these pink sparklers don’t have a use. Particularly if you’re looking for wines that are better value and more easy-drinking. So our tasters’ reaction to these was largely governed by whether they could envisage their customers sitting outside in the sunshine happily swigging something pink and juicy without thinking about it too much.
If they could, they liked these. If they couldn’t, they largely dismissed them – which, as much as anything, probably explains the large number of ‘Commended’ wines here.
From The Tasting Teams
‘There was a lovely mix of different styles and grapes here, with some sweeter than others. The prices were good, with some nice mark-ups to be made, and fantastic by the glass too.’ Nelio Pinto, Candlesticks
‘This wasn’t the highlight of the day. A lot of these were more suitable to a pub environment, for the less-questions-asked crowd.’ Carolina W Seibel, Comptoir Café and Wine
‘It’s difficult to sell anything that’s outside Champagne or cava. Producers have to look more to quality, instead of producing something cheap.’ Juan Manuel Marcos Perez, The Gilbert Scott
‘A couple of the northern Italians were a good option as a house sparkling rosé pour.’ Jan Konetzki, team leader
‘With sparkling rosé the price point is important. Some of the lower priced here were more fun, easy-drinking and good if you have a big group. They were nice ice-breaking wines.’ Michael Driscoll, Careys Manor Hotel
‘They weren’t serious wines, but wines to just enjoy and not think about. Easy to sell, especially as an alternative to prosecco.’ Nelio Pinto, Candlesticks