Five of the Best Sparkling Rosé Wines under $30

It’s time to think pink! There’s nothing quite like sparkling rosé wine on warm summer days, especially when paired with seafood or a plate of cheese.

Pink sparkling wine is believed to have been created by either one of two of the world’s most venerated Champagne houses (the jury’s still out). It was said Veuve Clicquot created the style by blending red wine with their classic “Yellow Label” Champagne in the late 18th century or early 19th century, but recent findings suggest that Ruinart began producing and selling rosé Champagne in 1764.

Australia now produces a vast amount of sparkling rosé wine in a number of different styles, the most notable ones coming from the cooler climate areas of Victoria — especially the Yarra Valley and King Valley — and Tasmania.

Sparkling rosé wine is usually made in a similar way to traditional Champagne and sparkling wine using Methode Champenoise, and the classic grape varietals of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. Sometimes, red grapes like sangiovese are also used. However, it’s the extended skin contact (from red grapes) or the addition of a small portion of red wine that gives sparkling rosé that lovely blush wine colour.

And what does sparkling rosé taste like? Pink sparkling wine generally tends to have a more fruit-driven palate and have a bit more sweetness than a classic Champagne or sparkling wine.

Here’s a sommelier’s guide to the best affordable rosé Champagne and fizzy rosé spritzers out there — Leah McLarty, Assistant Head Sommelier at award-winning Sydney restaurant Fred’s shares her expert tasting notes.

Brilla! Prosecco Rosé Extra Dry

Showing an almost translucent shade of pink, this sparkling wine has quite a light nose and displays notes of redcurrant and a touch of citrus. Delicate bubbles lead into a dry, light palate of crunchy red apples and redcurrant, balanced acidity and a fresh finish.

With its crowd pleasingly light palate, this one is my pick — it’s the perfect way to start off a meal.

Pizzini Spritz

Pale, salmon pink, this fun spritz shows an abundance of red fruit bursting on the nose with notes of strawberries, ripe raspberries and a hint of charming spice. Delicate bubbles on the palate lead into refreshing notes of red berries, broad palate weight with a dry and slightly savoury finish. I love this one because it is made from 100 per cent sangiovese grapes and shows beautiful characteristics of spice and fruit, while still being refreshing and easy drinking. And the convenience of the can makes it perfect for picnics or backyard barbecues.

Grant Burge Pinot Noir Chardonnay Rosé Brut

A classic blend of pinot noir and chardonnay with a gorgeous pink hue, this wine shows vibrant notes of redcurrant and strawberry on the nose upfront, leading into notes of ripe apple, nashi pear and brioche. With a good amount of fizz on the palate, this dry sparkling blend displays a medium body with a plethora of ripe fruit like strawberry, red apple, golden apple, and a toasty finish. I love the complexity this wine offers on the nose and palate.

Chandon Garden Spritz

An aromatic blend of pink sparkling wine and orange bitters, the Chandon sparkling rosé spritz hits the nose with notes of candied orange peel, orange marmalade, cinnamon and amaro-like characteristics. The palate is dry with beautiful fruit integration and bursting with spice; cassia bark, cloves, bitter and orange peel. Serve over ice with a slice of orange as a sparkling rosé cocktail apéritif.

Maison Prosecco Rosé Vintage 2021

A crunchy, aromatic nose of white flowers, red apple and hints of sweet spices and dried rose petals. A dry, light, fruit driven palate with red berries (strawberry and redcurrant) dominating, leading into a balanced level of acidity and a delicate floral finish. I love this rose sparkling wine for its freshness, fruitiness and finesse.