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The Korbel California Brut Rosé Champagne is a Sparkling wine I found selling for $11.99. The Champagne in the name is legit. In 2006, when California and Champagne, France, agreed to use of the term “Champagne”. Certain wineries were grandfathered in, so Andre’s, Cook’s, and Korbel retained the right to call their Method Traditional (Like Champagne) Bubbly.
The Story
Korbel was founded in Sonoma, California, in 1882. Over the years, Korbel grew from a small Russian River Valley winery to one producing over 1,500,00 cases of wine a year. While they are known for their Sparkling wines they also produce still wines.
The Korbel California Brut Rosé Champagne is named number 90 by Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Wines Under $20.
This Rosé Bubbly is a blend of Pinot Noir, Sangiovese, Gamay, Zinfandel, and Chenin Blanc. Gamay is the main grape used in Beaujolais, and Chenin Blanc is a White grape. Red and White are often mixed in Sparkling wine.
The Korbel Brut Rosé is made in the Traditional Method, where the juice is fermented once and then re-bottled with an added measure of yeast and sugar. Korbel does not list the length of the 2nd fermentation, as a reference the minimum is Champagne France is 18 months.
At the end of the second fermentation, the dead yeast is removed, and a measured amount of sweet wine is added to obtain the desired sugar level. A small dash of red wine is added to give each bottle the same Rosé color. The alcohol level is 12%.
The Korbel California Brut Rosé Champagne Tasting Notes
The color is pink with a little amber; the bubbles are plentiful. The nose is red berries, lemon, and a hint of crusty bread, spice, and juicy peach. The Korbel California Brut Rosé Champagne has a tasty black cherry flavor with an intersting texture and just a hint of sweetness.
This Bubbly/California Champagne tasted like cherry, pink lemonade, peach, apple, faint brioche, Anjou pear, pomegranate, and candy spice.
The acidity does its job well and allows the flavors plenty of room to unfold.
The Summary
- The Korbel California Brut Rosé Champagne is delicious and very affordable.
- You do not have to pay a small fortune to get a quality Bubbly.
