Find nine of the festive Rosé Champagnes for your Christmas feast. Three are above 90 points, six are available to buy online in China.
(Featured in the January issue of Decanter magazine)
9 Rosé Champagnes for your Christmas
Wines
Beaumont des Crayères, Grand Rosé, Brut, Champagne, France NV
86
Herbs and summer fruits battle it out on the nose; this is showing evolution with a savoury mid-palate and high acidity still.
Veuve Clicquot, La Grande Dame, Brut, Champagne, France 2006
87
Smoky, almost peaty aromas translate onto a lean, leafy palate with a firm acid backbone. This will go on for a little longer.
Champagne Joseph Perrier, Brut, Champagne, France NV
87
A nose of soapy almond and pepper with elegant sweet floral appeal on the palate. Understated for a Pinot dominated wine, but poised and self-confident.
Moët & Chandon, Rosé Impérial, Brut, Champagne, France NV
88
The nose is smoky and rich which unfolds onto a soft and elegant palate, just lacks a little grip at the end, but it is a crowd pleaser.
Perrier-Jouët, Belle Epoque, Brut, Champagne, France 2006
89
A real treat; heather, hedgerow and gentle toffee on the nose in a pure and honest style, honey and game and an impressive pavonine finish.
Duval-Leroy Champagne, Rosé Prestige, Brut, Champagne, France NV
89
Wild strawberries and peach kernel on the nose. Youthful, eloquent and neatly composed finish with fresh acidity needing time to mellow.
Charles Lafitte, Grand Cuvée Rosé, Brut, Champagne, France NV
92
This is expressing citric aromas supported by Provençal herbs in a manner that is charming and mature. White pepper and agrume beneath the pretty fruit, with grip and an authoritative, evocative finish.
Champagne de Venoge, Louis XV Brut, Champagne, France 2006
94
Amber colours belie a youthful vanilla nose that is indulgent with lovely poise and acidity. Oak is present and well handled, this elegant palate defies the years and instead installs complexity and a rigorously crafted structure.
Charles Heidsieck, Rosé Réserve, Brut, Champagne, France NV
95
Twinkling salmon lights in the glass. Intruiging citrus aromas pour out, backed up by toasty, honeyed tones. The Pinot Noir character really shows through in a rich opulent style. This Rosé Champagne would be delicious with seafood.