Wines of the week: Three French sparkling pinks that are perfect for summer parties
As the warm weather approaches, Terry Kirby looks across the Channel for inspiration
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.From Champagne
Gremillet Rose d’Assemblage Brut
Made in the Aude valley by Gremillet, a small family owned estate, which like many in Champagne once just grew grapes for the major producers. But they have been selling under their own name since 1979 and this gorgeous, summery rosé, lovingly crafted from pinot noir grapes is terrific value. Plump, red berry flavours, a touch of toast and yeast. Lovely with canapés and for celebrations.
£24.00 winetrust100.co.uk
From the Loire
Lacheteau Cremant Brut Rosé
The Loire is France’s second biggest sparkling region and crémant denotes that the wines are made using the traditional méthode champenoise of secondary bottle fermentation. Here cabernet franc – mostly found giving levity to Bordeaux blends – is used for sparkling rosé and red wines, which gives real depth and length to this bottle from the Vouvray area. While this is also perfect as an aperitif, try it with shellfish starters.
£14.99 ocado.com
From the south
Beaumonde Rose Vin Mousseux 2015
Made in the style of a sparkling Provencal rosé, but from grenache grapes grown near the port of Sète, further south on the French Mediterranean coast. This is an accessible, fun bottle, packed with crisp summer berry fruit flavours and a hint of herbs that is perfectly suited to parties and gatherings as well as tomato-based fish dishes.
£13.49 laithwaites.co.uk
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments