Pink Bubbles

Pink wine is so hot right now. Not just here in God’s own, we’re guided by international sales, which have outstripped those of white wine in France. Following hot on the heels of our last rosé wine story, we thought it was timely to dive into the wonderful world of pink wine, only this time it’s the sparkling kind. If 2021 has been a tricky year for you, seize the day and stock up on the best bubbles of all; a trio of outstanding blush bubbles. Fun and delicious for your Christmas day feast, or New Year celebrations and beyond, says wine writer Joelle Thomson.

 
 
 

Hunter’s MiruMiru Rosé NV, $35.

Winemaker, Jane Hunter is a fan of pink bubbly and has always wanted to produce one, so this MiruMiru Rosé was added to the range of Hunter’s bubbles. Like most top-quality sparkling wine, this one is made using Pinot Noir for colour with 55% of the blend, intermingling beautifully with the crisp citrusy tang of 42% Chardonnay and a 3% smidgeon of Pinot Meunier along for the ride. This trio of grapes is the classic combo used in high-quality sparkling wines from the Champagne region in France – and it’s the inspiration behind wines such as this lovely Marlborough bubbly. It tastes dry, fresh and full-bodied with a deliciously flavoursome yeasty aroma and brioche-like taste. A lively expression of sparkling Pinot Noir with beautiful balance, thanks to the Chardonnay and Meunier grapes.

Graze with: fresh strawberries.

Dine with: pan-fried fresh gurnard and spring greens.

Rating: 19/20


 

Nautilus Vintage Rose, $49.

Pinot Noir is queen in this refreshing, red fruit scented sparkling wine from Nautilus in Marlborough. A brief time on grape skins provides a pale pink colour to this wine, which was first made in 2011. This is the seventh time it has been produced by winemaker Clive Jones, who follows the Champagne Bollinger model when making this wine. This means that it typically spends three years ageing prior to release, a big investment in its production, which results in a bubbly with gorgeous fresh bread aromas and great richness – as well as a dry style. It’s sensational with fresh goat’s cheese, lemongrass and basil flavours as well as roast duck. This beautiful, versatile sparkling wine is also an outstanding drink on its own.

Graze with: goat’s cheese with a fresh baguette.

Serve with:: Thai larb chicken.

Rating: 19/20.


 

Cloudy Bay Pelorus Methodé Rose NV RRP $39.

Marlborough is home to the hand-picked grapes that went into this gorgeous pink bubbly. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir make up this complex blend and, as with most pink New Zealand sparkling wines, this one gains its colour from the Pinot Noir grapes spending a brief time on skins. Fermentation was in stainless steel to preserve Pinot Noir’s signature red fruit flavours and the finished wine then went through its second fermentation in the bottle, where it was aged for two years to develop its hallmark toasty flavours. These flatter the red fruit aromas beautifully, in wine with depth and breadth of flavour from every impressive sip.

Graze with: salmon w sashimi with a light vinaigrette
Serve with: fruit salad with fresh summer berries, torn fresh mint leaves and orange.
Rating: 18.5/20.