A bottle of fizz is always a nice gift, but when it comes to special occasions like marriage proposals, anniversaries or Valentine’s Day, nothing shouts romance quite like pink Champagne. That said, pink Champagne isn’t only for loved-up couples – it’s a classy way to add some sparkle to all manner of celebratory events from birthday parties to hen dos, baby showers and summer garden parties, or even as a treat on Mother's Day. In fact, here at SquareMeal we feel that pink Champagne should be considered far more often than it tends to be.
You might be tempted by a regular bottle of expensive Champagne which is always a worthy choice as far as we’re concerned. However, the quality of rosé Champagne is better than ever at the moment, thanks to warmer summers and riper fruit, so we think it’s well worth mixing things up a little. Also, there’s no doubt that something a little bit special about glasses full of pink bubbly.
With so many brands to choose from though, how do you know which bottle of pink Champagne will strike the right note? These days, most premium Champagne houses produce at least one pink Champagne so it really can be a bit of a lucky dip when choosing, if you don’t know what you’re looking for. To give you a starting point we’ve hand-picked a selection of our favourite rosé Champagnes, so that next time it comes to buying a bottle of pink fizz you know which bottle to go for.
Not only does our guide explain why we like each bottle, it also helps to match the right rosé Champagne to the occasion thanks to tasting notes and prices, so that you know you're buying the best bottle, whatever the celebration. And remember: it might be better to give than to receive, but make sure you’re there when the bottle is opened.
Ayala Rosé Majeur Champagne, £38
What: Ayala's beautiful, pink-tinged wine has intrinsic elegance on account of the Chardonnay grapes that go into the blend, but it’s also generous owing to a decent glug of top cru Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims. Fresh herbs and strawberries on the nose lead into a restrained palate hinting at red berries and freshly picked peaches, with a persistent mousse and a generous finish gilding the lily.
How much: £38
Buy it: The Whisky Exchange
Searcy’s Rosé Champagne, £45
What: Searcys Champagne is typically only available at the brand’s restaurants and bars, but you can now enjoy it at home, thanks to Searcys new Champagne delivery service. In particular, we are fans of the rosé, which boasts a soft and creamy texture, while encompassing a mix of red fruit flavours including strawberry, raspberry and redcurrant. There is the option to add a personalised gift message, making it a great Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day gift, although you can also order one for yourself as a treat (we won’t judge).
How much: £45
Buy it: Searcys
Pommery Brut Royal Rosé Champagne, £50
What: If you’re gifting this fizz as a romantic gesture for Valentine's Day, the fabulously floral and decidedly feminine box is bound to appeal. But it’s not just the packaging - the contents are good too. A subtle floral and red fruit nose gives way to a lipsmackingly dry palate of red berries, soft tropical fruits, brioche and a touch of spice, which is balanced with good minerality and a creamy finish. A fitting tribute to much-loved Madame Pommery, nick-named the Lady of the Rosés! Pair it with white meats, charcuterie or red fruity puddings.
How much: £50
Buy it: Ocado
Billecart-Salmon Rosé Champagne, £70
What: Billecart-Salmon is a renowned producer of high-quality pink Champagne, and the Brut style is delicate with beautifully defined red-fruit aromas, lovely freshness and creamy texture. It’s easy on the eye, too, with its classic pale hue. And in Cuvée Elisabeth Salmon 2007, one of its three ‘founders’ cuvées’, it makes one of the top pink prestige lines around. Sophisticated stuff, sure to melt the recipient’s heart.
How much: £70 (750ml bottle); £155 (150cl magnum)
Buy it: The Whisky Exchange; Fortnum & Mason
Aldi Rosé Champagne Veuve Monsigny Rosé Brut, £18
What: Aldi's exclusive Champagnes have caused a bit of a stir since they hit the shelves, mainly for offering pretty good quality and exceptional value. The Veuve Monsigny Rosé is no different - it's not especially nuanced, but if you want a rich, easy drinking rosé with plenty of red berry flavour, this is an excellent choice and it comes in considerably cheaper than most other options.
How much: £18
Buy it: Aldi
Perrier-Jouet Blason Rosé Champagne, £71
What: This is something of a landmark in Perrier-Jouet’s history, being the Maison’s first prestige cuvee. Perrier-Jouet Blason Rosé marries the floral freshness of Chardonnay with the fruitiness of Pinot Noir, combining atoms of strawberries, raspberries and blackberries with a hint of exotic pomegranate. It is lush and lively on the palate and we are also fans of the rather sleek pink and black bottle too.
How much: £71
Buy it: Ocado
Lanson Le Rosé Champagne, £45
What: Lanson was among the first Champagne houses to catch on to the pink fizz trend and the brand’s 60 years worth of rosé-making experience is evident in its Lanson Le Rosé. Boasting a pale salmon colour, this is a fruity and delicate sip with a characteristic freshness. It’s among the more affordable Champagnes featured on our list, without compromising on quality, so it would make for a lovely Mother’s Day gift or special occasion treat.
How much: £45
Buy it: Majestic
Waitrose Rosé Champagne Brut NV, £27
What: Proving that you don’t always have to break the bank to enjoy a good Champagne, this Waitrose Rosé Champagne Brut NV boasts flavours that defy the supermarket steal price. When taking a sip, expect to discover refreshing notes of baked apple, pink grapefruit and summer fruits which are in turn balanced with rich brioche notes.
How much: £27
Buy it: Waitrose
Nicolas Feuillatte Rosé Champagne, £36
What: Nicolas Feuillatte, the biggest brand in France but also one of the most youthful (founded in 1972), produces a larger number of different pink styles than almost any other house in Champagne. Réserve Exclusive is the flagship, with the emphasis firmly on a fruit-driven, mainly black grape, palate. Clean-cut, exuberant and refreshing, this is a canny buy. We note there’s also an attractive half bottle, but why buy half the amount of something this good?
How much: £36
Buy it: Waitrose
Heidsieck & Co. Monopole 'Rosé Top' Champagne, £37
What: Heidsieck & Co. founder Florens-Louis Heidsieck is famous for presenting a cuvee to Marie Antoinette in 1788, and the house has been a favourite ever since. This bottle is a particularly elegant example of their work - with floral, violet notes meeting rich red fruit and redcurrant.
How much: £37
Buy it: Majestic
Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Champagne, £74
What: The flagship brand for rosé Champagne always delivers with its red-fruit nose and fruity, elegant palate, held together with a firm structure that is the result of five years of ageing before release. Its stylish bottle only adds to the class of this Champagne and makes it a wonderful choice if you're looking for an extra-special gift for someone. The limited edition Bamboo Robe (pictured) is a nod to the flora and flauna of the tropical jungle and an extra reason to make a purchase – plus £1 per bottle is being donated to the Plantlife organisation.
How much: £74
Buy it: Drink Supermarket
Drappier Rosé Brut Nature Champagne, £55
What: Small and classy, this producer’s wines are expressive, elegant and aromatic, and well worth seeking out. Based amidst the Pinot Noir grapes of Urville, it is the gentle macerating of the Pinot Noir skins which gives this rosé its pretty salmon pink colour, while the winemaking is all about precision. This reveals itself in spicy minerality and a hint of brioche balanced by strawberry fruit. Dry and delightfully racy.
How much: £55
Buy it: The Whisky Exchange
Bollinger Rosé Champagne, £39
What: This is a gift that demands to be cracked open immediately. To paraphrase Lily Bollinger, 'I drink it when I’m happy. I drink it when I’m sad. Otherwise I never touch it… unless I’m thirsty.' Bollinger is a brand that has become synonymous with James Bond and its aphrodisiacal qualities have been on regular display throughout the novels and films. Bollinger Rosé is a superb new addition to the portfolio, demonstrating flavour, finesse and fullness on account of a weighty dose of reserve wines.
How much: £39
Buy it: Selfridges
Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial Champagne, £50
What: Moët Rosé Impérial sends a celebratory message like no other brand. But the wine’s upfront fruitiness and approachability, together with its moreish textured palate and hint of spice on the finish, deserves thoughtful consideration as well as easy drinking.
How much: £50
Buy it: Virgin Wines
Champagne J.M.Gobillard et Fils Brut Rosé NV, £35
What: This charming, quaffable salmon pink number comes from the village of Hautvillers, made famous by Dom Perignon. Notes of strawberry, blossom and toasted brioche make this adaptable and easy drinking, perfect for a summery celebration and an easy pair for all sorts of dishes.
How much: £35
Buy it: Virgin Wines
Dom Ruinart Rosé Champagne, £334
What: This rosé Champagne from Dom Ruinart may have a hefty price tag, but it is a perfect choice for that extra special occasion. The 2004 vintage boasts a crystal clear coppery hue and is made up of a unique blend of 81% Chardonnay and 19% Pinot Noir, which results in a flavour profile which is complex, yet balanced. You’ll also find notes of guava, blood orange and citron, paired with floral aromas.
How much: £334
Buy it: The Finest Bubble
How to serve Rosé Champagne
Best Temperature: 10-12°C
Chill in the fridge for 3 hours, the freezer for 10 minutes or an ice bucket for 15 minutes
Vintage and prestige cuvée Champagne is best served slightly warmer
Drinking Champagne at around 10-12°C will allow the aromas to be released. On the palate the often-delicate flavours will be ‘numbed’ if served too cold, while at warmer temperatures the flavours will be better absorbed into the palate.
Try serving Champagne chilled and then letting it warm up in the glass. You will see how the character changes and the flavours evolve.
Looking for more imbibing inspiration? Explore our list of the best rosé wines.