When a friend invites you to a birthday brunch or long-planned summer dinner party, you don’t necessarily want to show up with a bottle of Trader Joe’s Prosecco. But a bottle of rose Champagne? Now that suits the occasion.
The family-run Philipponnat’s Brut Reserve Rose is a beauty, a gorgeous deep pink, with the scent of toast and roses, the taste of mirabelle plums, a fine mousse — and a long, elegant finish. It’s a reminder of how very alluring a well-made rose Champagne can be. As these sparkling wines go, it’s something of a bargain too. And if you want to make a big statement, pick up the Philipponnat rose in a magnum ($130). I like the idea too of a half bottle ($30) to start off dinner with a significant other.
Enjoy this rose Champagne as an aperitif or with smoked trout or salmon, cold poached salmon, seared scallops or steamed lobster.
Region: Champagne
Price: About $50
Style: Classic and elegant
What it goes with: Smoked fish, cold poached salmon, scallops, lobster
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