With so many bubbles to choose from for New Year’s Eve, I’m going to hone in on a favorite: sparkling rosé. You’ll probably see both still and sparkling rosé make numerous appearances on this blog, so buckle up. Since there is nothing I love more than sparkling wine (and especially Champagne), and I have year-round thirst for pink wines, the combination of the two just sets me on fire. Seriously.

Why? Well it’s hard to deny how lovely a glass of pink bubbles looks. It stands out in the crowd. But looks are only part of the equation, let’s talk about taste. These dry sparklers are just a flat-out joy to drink. And they are wonderful with seafood, particularly salmon and char. I also suggest you experiment with crudo and sushi. (A suggestion that I trust will not be a hardship.)

So what are some of my favorites sparkling rosés? Well let’s say you’re headed to a lively party and don’t want to bankrupt yourself. Bring this duo:

Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Rosé Brut
Year-after-year, a dry and distinctive winner. Alarmingly good and 100% Pinot Noir.

Huber “Hugo” Rosé Sparkling
What can I say? I’m really fond of this somewhat esoteric Austrian sparkler. It’s a blend of Pinot Noir and Zweigelt. Here in Seattle I love the restaurant La Bête for many, many reasons, but they will always have a place in my Hall of Fame for introducing me to this sparkling rosé. I will also confess to a certain fondness for the label.

So what will you be enjoying this New Year’s Eve? If I bump into you, promise to pour you some sparkling rosé.

Top photo courtesy _FXR.

Tags: albrecht, char, cremant, crudo, huber, hugo, new years eve, pinot noir, rose, salmon, sparkling rosé, sushi, zweigelt