As the summer season hits its stride, there’s no better way to embrace la vie en rosé than with a glass of Rosé Champagne. Even Ariana Grande once said; “Pink champagne is about having fun and letting go, and living your life to the fullest.” And Ariana can’t be wrong… 

Known for its charming hue and effervescent bubbles, Rosé Champagne stands as the quintessential summer drink, ideal for the British weather and outdoor gatherings. Over the past decade, demand for this pink delight has increased by 16% in the UK, becoming the second most popular champagne style to be imported into the country. With that said, The Champagne Bureau UK has curated a guide to help you appreciate this beloved bubbly in all its glory. 

Why Rosé Champagne?

With its popularity growing worldwide, we can tell you, Rosé Champagne isn’t just a passing trend. From light and crisp, to rich and full-bodied, there’s a glass for every palate. Rosé Champagne’s speciality lies in its aromas, spanning from fresh citrus and strawberries to mature notes of dried fruits and spices.

While the drink is often misrepresented as feminine, don’t let this stereotype stop you from enjoying its allure. Look at Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who formerly owned the Chateau Miraval Estate – 1,300 acres of winery in France specialising in Rosé. Not to mention the renowned tennis player Roger Federer, who appreciates Rosé so much that he became an ambassador for Moet & Chandon’s Champagne in 2012.

The Many Shades of Pink

Rosé Champagne comes in a spectrum of pinks, from soft blush to deep raspberry. This alluring colour can be achieved through two methods: blending and macerating. Blending involves mixing white wines with a small amount of red wine (5%-20%), while macerating allows the juice of black grapes to ferment with their skins for a limited time. Regardless of the method, the result is always the iconic pink bubbles that are both visually stunning and delicious.

“The longer it sits, the pinker the champagne gets.”

Rosé Champagne’s Summer Pairings

Rosé Champagne is every food’s best friend, pairing well with various dishes given its depth of flavour and acidity. Here are some top-notch summer pairings: 

– Lighter Rosés: Ideal with deep water fish, citrus fruits, crispy vegetables, sushi, sashimi, and tempura.
– Full-Bodied Rosés: Goes well with robust foods like duck, pigeon, beef, lamb, and stews seasoned with warm or hot spices.
– Mature Rosés: Best enjoyed with delicate dishes such as lightly marinated shellfish or sautéed whitish meats with mild spices. These refined rosés complement oriental cuisine beautifully.

For a quintessentially British summer treat, pair your Rosé Champagne with strawberries and cream. This classic combination, introduced by Thomas Wolsey and now a staple at Wimbledon, enhances the fresh and complex wild berry notes of the Champagne, creating a delightful harmony.

Many celebrities have their own rosé brands, including John Legend, Sarah Jessica Parker, Dave Matthews, John Malkovich, Kylie Minogue, Drew Barrymore, Sting with Trudie Styler, and Post Malone. Post Malone’s Rosé brand, Maison No. 9  was inspired by his love for the Mediterranean lifestyle. The dry, clean, and crisp taste of his rosé is versatile and pairs well with many dishes. In fact, he named the brand after his favourite tarot card, ‘Nine of Swords,’ representing anxiety. His idea is that, Maison No. 9 helps people relax and unwind after a long day.

In 2017, Lisa Vanderpump, a reality TV star from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills launched Vanderpump Rosé – embodying luxury and sophistication. Her brand reflects both the esteemed reputation Rosé has and her own from her career in reality TV. 

Join the Pink Revolution

Rosé Champagne will definitely brighten up your summer. Follow the footsteps of icons like Marilyn Monroe and bathe yourself with Rosé Champagne. Embrace the elegance, enjoy the versatility, and indulge in the luxury of this delightful pink bubbly.

Who are The Champagne Bureau UK?

The Champagne Bureau UK is a trade association representing all Champagne houses and growers. As its global presence grows, Champagne exports now amount to 60% of total sales, up from a mere 45% ten years ago, with the UK maintaining its position as the second largest Champagne export market in the world. In 2023 alone, Champagne bottle shipments reached 25,534,935 in the UK –  quite a remarkable figure, isn’t it?

With over 300 years of history, the Champagne region underwent a lot of turmoil; From World Wars to the Phylloxera disease, vineyards got destroyed, but still Champagne persevered. As Winston Churchill said to his troops, “Remember gentlemen, it’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne.”

 

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All imaginary credit to Sekoya Communications.