By Brian Merchant
Brooklyn, NY, USA | Tue Dec 16 12:19:00 GMT 2008
Champagne—there's nothing that says celebration better than this bubbly liquor. It's the signature drink for the New Year, the extra effort made for a romantic rendezvous, and the sign of a distinguished host: And pink champagne just makes the occasion even more special.
And now, pink champagne is going green. We're applying that lovably ubiquitous metaphor to the adoption of environmentally friendly practices, naturally.
Even in the seemingly niche market of pink bubbly wines—including the likes of bruts, proseccos, and sparkling rosés—there's been a shift towards greener growing and production practices. Organic vineyards, photovoltaic solar power systems, and sustainable agriculture practices now all play a role in the world of eco-friendly pink champagne.
So next time you're rounding out an evening with some resplendent sparkling pink wine, reach for one of these bottles—and make the earth part of your celebratory toast.
Have leftovers? Just turn it into vinegar.
Why We Like It: This rosy gem of a champagne from California is a nod to the famed mistress of Louis XV, Madame de Pompadour, who introduced sparkling wine to the courts in France saying, "Champagne is the only wine that a woman can drink and remain beautiful." While we are not certain of the truth behind this statement, the lush Brut Rosé Cuvée is a worthy namesake, a fine blend of 58 percent pinot noir grape and 42 percent chardonnay. It's lightly fruity—a hint of strawberries rises from each glass—but not overly sweet.
Eco-Factor: Domaine Carneros has led the pack of California sparkling winemakers when it comes to eco-friendly practices: In April 2008, it became the first sparkling winery to be certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) in the U.S. They use compost for fertilizers and absolutely no pesticides—practices the winery has been undertaking since the early 1990s. To top it off, in 2003 the winemaker installed the largest photovoltaic solar system of any winery in the world. Bottom line: This is one green pink champagne.
Greenebriation Rating: The most potent on our list, at 12.7 percent alcohol by volume, the Cuvée de la Pompadour will have you fearlessly mingling with high society in no time.
Where to Buy: Wine shops nationally, including wine.com and Napa Valley Winery Exchange.
How Much: $35
Why We Like It: This spunky prosecco-style blend from Cabernet grapes isn't quite technically champagne. But it is very pink and very bubbly—and very cheap—and therefore deemed worthy of a spot on our pink champagne list.
Eco Factor: The Italian winery Perlage Wines is owned and operated by the Nardi brothers, and has been certified by Italy's organic standards since 1992. Both the grapes it grows and those purchased from other vineyards come from certified organic sources. The winery is also ISO 9001:2000 compliant.
Greenebriation: 11.5 percent ABV—just enough for a flirtatious buzz.
Where to Buy: Availability can be limited, but try Prosseco Road or Dot Com Wine and Spirits.
How Much: $13-15
Why We Like It: The famous Fleury name has brought sparkling goodness to the world for nearly a century now—beginning with Emile Fleury, carried on by his son Robert, and now by his son Jean-Pierre—giving these illustrious French wine makers a long history of champagne innovation. Besides boasting a gorgeous bottle, their pinot noir-heavy Champagne Rosé offers a complex, rich fruity taste.
Eco Factor: A full-fledged biodynamic winery since 1992, Fleury has been using compost as fertilizer since the 1970's. Paving the way, Jean-Pierre Fleury was the first winemaker in the Champagne region to adopt biodynamic processes. Grapes are organic, and no pesticides or artificial fertilizers impinge on this delicious, classic pink champagne.
Greenebriation: A dignified 12.5 percent ABV rewards sparkling wine aficionados with a little more bite than average.
Where to Buy: In fine wine shops across the country. Contact Fleury's stateside distributors for locations: Victoire Imports and Hiram Simon's Wine Wise. Or, order online at K&L Wine Merchants (for cheap!).
How Much: From $28-60 depending on seller.
Why We Like It: The 2005 Jeriko Estate Brut Rosé won the Gold Medal at the 2008 Orange County Fair wine competition, and for good reason—this delectable raspberry rich, pleasantly acidic sparkling wine is so good, Jeriko recommends you sip it solo so the complex taste can shine through unadulterated. So hold off on the organic cheese plate and resist the asparagus spinach dip, this green rosé is better on its lonesome.
Eco Factor: It's made with 100 percent organically grown pinot noir grapes, for starters. Jeriko Estates also eschews the use of any synthetic chemical fertilizer, pesticide, or fungicide—staff employs both biodynamic and organic farming practices, and the vineyard has been officially certified by the CCOF and the United States Department of Agriculture. Jeriko is also notable for its relaxed policy on local wildlife—goats, chickens, and sheep roam freely through the vineyards.
Greenebriation: A pleasantly inviting 12 percent ABV.
Where to Buy: Widely available at wine stores, or directly from Jeriko Estate.
How much: $49
Why We Like It: Okay, so "pink" isn't exactly the most accurate word to describe this robust, invigorating champagne. It's admittedly a little more on the deep, sensuous red side. But for the times a simple pink won't do, this full-bodied rosé will titillate with its array of scintillating, fruity aromas and spices.
Eco Factor: In an effort to meld classic winemaking tradition with progressive, environmentally friendly ideas, Leclerc Briant has transformed into an ardent supporter of biodynamic winemaking over the last ten years—they use only natural products for repellents and compost for fertilizers and carefully aerate soil to maximize its sustainability. The vineyard has strictly followed biodynamic procedures on all of its 74 acres of vineyards since 2002.
Greenebriation: At 12 percent ABV, the Rubis de Noirs is smooth enough to start the night sweetly, but packs a sultry punch.
Where to Buy: Shop.com or wine shops across the country.
How Much: $47
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