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December 30, 2006
For the New Year--Think Pink!
Rosé Champagnes are Leading the Way for Celebratory Occasions
A rose is a rose is a rose, unless it’s a rosé champagne. Pink (or rosé) champagnes have ascended to the top of the preferred list and are considered the most “in” drink for the new year according to Arthur von Wiesenberger, a renowned wine and champagne expert. For his 2007 champagne recommendations, Mr. von Wiesenberger can sum up his advice in two words: Think Pink.
“Choosing the right pink champagne for New Year’s Eve and other special events throughout the year depends as much on each customer’s taste preference as it does on the champagne’s unique characteristics,” said Mr. von Wiesenberger.
“Not to be confused with rosé wines, rosé champagnes are hot sellers that may very well propel a lasting trend. To help choose the perfect bottle, we’ve identified a variety of great rosés that will excite even the most discriminating palate,” Mr. von Wiesenberger added.
For those with a lavish taste and wallet, Mr. von Wiesenberger recommends the Krug Rosé (about $290), a champagne steeped in tradition with a hint of raspberries and strawberries in the nose and a copper-pink color. Surprisingly dry yet mellow, the unique sophistication of this rosé will make seasoned connoisseurs sit up and take notice. The classic 1996 Dom Pérignon Rosé (about $300) is also a fine choice for those fortunate enough to toast with it. The incredibly fine, pinpoint bubbles, stunning sunrise pink color, and a remembrance of finesse, will entice the taste buds to nirvana.
Today’s moderately priced rosés are nothing short of splendid. For about $70 a bottle, consumers can sample the Ruinart Rosé, now back on the shelves of American wine shops. Boasting a non-vintage blend of 45 percent chardonnay and 55 percent pinot noir, this rosé shines with a golden pink color thanks to a dash of added red wine and a nose of currants and spices. For those with a spicy nose, Moët Imperial Rosé (about $55) with its hints of black cherries, currants and a touch of cinnamon may be an excellent choice. For about $60 a bottle, the Billecart-Salmon Rosé, a tangy rhubarb and berry flavored bubbly with a crispness that lingers long after the first swallow, or Taittinger Cuvée Rosé (about $60) for those who prefer a more crisp and vibrant balance of red berries and fresh floral tones, are wise selections.
Although celebrating the New Year and any special occasion with a fresh pink rosé is always enticing, consumers are reminded to please drink responsibly.
About Pink Champagne:
Rosés are made within a strictly defined region of North East France and are a blend of a small amount of finished red wine with fermented white wine and several grape varieties, including the pinot noir grape. After the grape skin is left in contact with the juice for a period of time, skin maceration occurs which extracts a little of the pink color. Too much contact with the skins can produce a bitter wine and so great care and concentration are a necessity when producing this unique blend. Nicely aged rosé champagne will have a yeasty, frothy mousse with tiny bubbles and a taste that is a complex mix between fruits, wild berries and spices.
“Today’s ‘must have’ pink champagnes are good news this year for distributors, who usually get a bigger margin on rosés over regular white champagnes,” said Mr. von Wiesenberger. “But it is also great news for consumers because there is a much broader selection of high quality rosés than there were just a few years ago,” he added.
About Arthur von Wiesenberger:
A consultant to the beverage industry since 1978, Arthur von Wiesenberger established the popular Nippers.com Web site that offers in depth information on wines, champagnes and fine dining. Mr. von Wiesenberger has been awarded the Diplôme d’honneur from the Corporation des Vignerons de Champagne (France) and is a Chevalier of the Chapitre de la Fleur de Vigne de l’Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne (France), both considered of great prestige in Champagne, France. In 1992, Mr. von Wiesenberger authored “Champagne & Caviar – A Connoisseur’s Survival Guide” (Capra Press/Best Cellers), which explores all the grand marques Champagnes. The coffee table top book was selected as a featured Neiman Marcus book for their In-Circle events across the U.S. Earlier in his career, he co-founded the Nipper’s Champagne clubs in Montecito and on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California, that in the mid-1980s were selling four percent of all the champagne imported into the U.S. according to People magazine. The successful clubs were featured on “Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous,” “The Merv Griffin Show,” Time magazine and selected as The Best by Playboy magazine and many other publications. For more information on pink (or white) champagnes, visit the Web site at www.nippers.com.
Contacts:
Ágnes Huff Communications Group
Ágnes Huff, PhD, or Anna Jerden, 310-641-2525
ahuff@ahuffgroup.com
Source: “Think Pink for the New Year,” Arthur von Wiesenberger, SANTA BARBARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- December 28, 2006
Posted by fortna at December 30, 2006 05:01 AM
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