More than a simple colour change, rosé champagne (aka pink champagne) often gives more vibrant summer fruity/berry and vanilla flavours than traditional champagne.
Rosé champagne is not just for celebration. It can be enjoyed neat, added to cocktails for a fruitier fizzy extravaganza, plus it pairs well with fancy foods too!
I tend to pair rosè champagne with various foods such as smoked salmon, grilled meats and even fruity desserts to bring out more flavours. So whatever the occasion, I’ve lined up 9 of the best rosé champagnes for you to consider.
Best Rosé Champagnes
The rosé champagnes below have been selected for their unique flavour profiles and excellent food pairing characteristics.
1. Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial Rosé
Overview
- Distiller: Moët et Chandon
- ABV: 12% (24 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Light pink
Review
Moët & Chandon grow their grapes on terroirs in the centre of the Champagne region in France. This region has the perfect geology and climate to ensure exceptional champagne, just what you would expect from Moët & Chandon.
Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial Rosé is made from a blend of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grapes. The grapes are allowed to ferment before being placed in bottles and matured for four to six weeks.
On The Nose
Sweet aromas of strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate on the nose, with mild mint hovering in the background
On The Palate
Nicely sparkling with seductive flavours of fresh wild strawberry and blackcurrant. Hints of vanilla, burnt brown sugar, and oak lead to a medium finish.
Best Served
Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial Rosé is best served on its own, but you can also consider it the perfect addition to a Mimosa. It pairs exceptionally well with smoked salmon.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
2. Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé
Overview
- Distiller: Perrier-Jouët
- ABV: 12% (24 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Soft Rose
Review
Perrier-Jouët only grows Côte des Blancs grapes which are used to make chardonnay. Their vineyards are nestled in the heart of the champagne “Golden Triangle” and have been highly ranked for quality on the Echelle des Crus scale.
Blason Rosé is made from a blend of 45% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir and 5% Pinot Meunier grapes. The wine is left to mature for 2 to 3 years. The distinct colour of Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé arrived from blending Pinot Meunier grapes.
On The Nose
A vibrant aroma of ripe berries, sweet vanilla, and plenty of bubbles.
On The Palate
Fresh strawberries and peach on the sparkling opening, with a slight hint of ripe plum and vanilla mid-palate. The finish is well-balanced between flavour and bubbles; I would say it’s slightly acidic.
Best Served
Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé is (of course) best served on its own but can add some sparkle to your sangria. As for food pairings, this beauty will pair well with fish, and lighter meats, such as chicken or duck.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
3. Bollinger Rosé Champagne
Overview
- Distiller: Bollinger
- ABV: 12% (24 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Pink
Review
Let’s face it, Bollinger has been making exceptional wines since 1829 and shows no sign of relenting with quality. The brand set out to create refined, powerful wines with a complex style and intricate fruity aromas.
Bollinger Rosé Champagne is made from 85% grand and premium-graded grapes. A blend of 62% Pinot Noir, 24% Chardonnay and 14% Meunier grapes gives this wine a fruity flavour. The Meunier grape provides this champagne with its beautiful shade of pink.
On The Nose
Pleasing aromas of cherry, currents and ripe strawberry are contained in its light bubbles.
On The Palate
Lots of berry and grape flavours on the opening, followed by a velvety strawberry bubbly sensation. The finish is crisp and has the merest hint of lingering spice.
Best Served
Of course, Bollinger Rosé Champagne is best served on its own. But why not add a shot of elderflower liqueur in a highball glass? This champagne pairs well with chocolate truffles or a fresh fruit medley.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
4. Veuve Clicquot Rosé
Overview
- Distiller: Veuve Clicquot
- ABV: 12.5% (25 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Soft Pink
Review
The Veuve Clicquot vineyards are ideally situated in the Champagne region in France. The soils are perfectly chalky, and the geology is pristine, with limited sun exposure and moderate rainfall. All the ingredients to grow the perfect grape for their champagne.
Veuve Clicquot Rosé has approximately 48% Pinot Noir, 18% Meunier, and 29% Chardonnay grapes from 50 to 60 local vineyards. After maturing, the grape juice and an additional red wine are added to provide the delicious fruitiness of this Rosé.
On The Nose
Soft, fragrant notes of dried fruits, strawberry, blackberry, and raspberry with a hint of vanilla.
On The Palate
A fanfare of berry fruits and delicate bubbles that is reasonably full-bodied. The crisp finish with gentle bubbles allows the fruity flavours to shine.
Best Served
Enjoy Veuve Clicquot Rosé neat in a classic champagne glass, or perhaps add a shot of fruit liqueur. Pair this rosé champagne with a flavourful beef Bourguignon or honey-coated roasted duck.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
5. Lanson Le Rosé Champagne
Overview
- Distiller: Lanson
- ABV: 12.5% (25 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Subtle Salmon Pink
Review
Lanson was one of the first houses to offer a blended rosé as far back as 1833. But in 1949, the Larson family decided to make their rosé with a distinctively fresh taste similar to the Maison-style wines. Grapes from over 100 vineyards are carefully selected and used for their wines.
Lanson Le Rosé Champagne is made from a blend of Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir grapes. The grapes are pressed and blended with rosé reserve wines and then fermented. The wine is then left to mature for three years in the Lanson cellars before bottling.
On The Nose
A delicate floral aroma with fruity hints of pomegranate, raspberry and a touch of zesty blood orange.
On The Palate
A crisp fruitiness on the opening with currents and strawberry flavours. Gentle bubbles bring grape and oak tones to ensure a sedate finish.
Best Served
Aside from enjoying Lanson Le Rosé Champagne neat, try it in a Passionfruit Martini cocktail with added sparkle. Pair this floral champagne with seafood or with strawberries and cream.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
6. G. H. Mumm Rosé Champagne
Overview
- Distiller: G.H. Mumm & Cie
- ABV: 12% (24 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Rose
Review
Maison Mumm currently has 218 hectares of vineyards in all 8 regions in the champagne triangle. All their vineyards have received a champagne quality rating of 98%. G.H. Mumm combines their quality grapes with over 120 independent vineyards to create the perfect champagne.
G.H. Mumm Le Rosé is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir, 18% Pinot Meunier and 22% Chardonnay. Each grape is fermented independently for 15 days before perfectly blending with still-red wine for added fruitiness. The wine is aged in their cellars for 15 months.
On The Nose
An intense fruity aroma on the nose with berries, red currents, and gentle spice.
On The Palate
A fresh, crisp fruit bouquet with a red berry bite on the palate. There are plenty of strawberry-flavoured bubbles throughout. A medium finish with a slightly smokey profile that lingers nicely.
Best Served
G. H. Mumm Rosé Champagne can be enjoyed neat use or to replace the prosecco in a Limoncello Spritz. Its fruitiness and subtle spice pair well with a Waldorf salad or any light fish dish.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
7. Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé
Overview
- Distiller: Laurent-Perrier
- ABV: 12% (24 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Soft Rose
Review
The Laurent-Perrier estate is situated in the small French village of Tours-sur-Mane, at the crossroads of three main wine-growing areas. The estate comprises 17 Grand Crus region villages in the champagne triangle.
Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes from the Grand Cru region. The grapes are crushed and fermented for 48 hours with the grape skins for additional taste. The wine is left to mature in the estate’s cellars for no less than five years before bottling.
On The Nose
A delightful scent of red currant, raspberry, and strawberry on the nose with hints of black cherry.
On The Palate
Ripe red berry and plenty of initial bubbles on the palate with a slight acidic grape skin kick balancing out the initial fruity sweetness. The finish is surprisingly delicate, and I would say semi-sweet throughout.
Best Served
Enjoy Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé neat in a coupe glass or a pink champagne margarita. Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé pairs well with fresh fruit, cheeses, and cured meats.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
8. Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé
Overview
- Distiller: Taittinger
- ABV: 12.5% (25 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Intense Rose
Review
The Taittinger Champagne House was founded in 1734 in Reims, France. The house has always strived for excellence and to maintain its unique style.
Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé is made from a blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier and 30% Chardonnay. 85% of the grape is vinified as a white wine variety; the remaining is red to give the champagne its colour and a fruitier taste. The wine is aged in the Taittinger cellars for three years before bottling.
On The Nose
Raspberry and cherry on the nose with hints of blackcurrant and woody aromas.
On The Palate
A full-bodied medley of red fruits on the palate with a pleasant cherry acidity mid-palate. The finish is crisp and refreshing.
Best Served
Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé is best served neat in a tall, elegant champagne glass and enjoyed with or after dessert. Pairs well with fruity desserts such as fruity salad, red fruit tarts, and crumbles.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
9. Ayala Rosé Majeur
Overview
- Distiller: Ayala
- ABV: 12% (24 Proof)
- Country: France
- Colour: Soft Rose
Review
The Taittinger Champagne House was founded in 1734 in Reims, France. The house has always strived for excellence and to maintain its unique style.
Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé is made from a blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier and 30% Chardonnay. 85% of the grape is vinified as a white wine variety; the remaining is red to give the champagne its colour and a fruitier taste. The wine is aged in the Taittinger cellars for three years before bottling.
On The Nose
Raspberry and cherry on the nose with hints of blackcurrant and woody aromas.
On The Palate
A full-bodied medley of red fruits on the palate with a pleasant cherry acidity mid-palate. The finish is crisp and refreshing.
Best Served
Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé is best served neat in a tall, elegant champagne glass and enjoyed with or after dessert. Pairs well with fruity desserts such as fruity salad, red fruit tarts, and crumbles.
Pricing & Info
You can check the latest pricing, product information, and order online.
Ingrid’s Top Pick
Bollinger Rosé Champagne
I have chosen Bollinger Rosé Champagne as my top pick due to its nice balance of berry fruits and fine bubbles with a discreet touch of seductive spice on the medium finish.
Conclusion
The best rosè champagne is made by blending Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier grapes from the Champagne region in France. The unique pink colouring of this style of champagne is obtained by adding red wine or letting the grape skins ferment with the juice.
You can enjoy rosè champagne as a pre-dinner aperitif and pair it with foods such as fish, meats, and delicious fruit-based desserts. I also love it in a cocktail such as a mimosa.
If you love both champagne and history… then don’t forget to check out Andrew’s fabulous article: The Sparkling History Of Champagne.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from The Drinks Geek blog. We write articles on several fascinating areas of drinks, including different brands, drink types, cocktail recipes and more.
