Reviews & Ratings

NV Dark Horse Champagne & Sparkling Wine "Brut Rose" (7/19)

Winery: Dark Horse

Vintage: NV

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Brut Rose" (7/19)

Wine Category: Champagne & Sparkling Wine

Grape blend: 55% Pinot Noir, 37% Chardonnay & 8% Other Varietals

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: California

State or country: CA

Price: $13

Cases produced: unknown

KWG Score: 87 (based on 2 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (87)

Review date: July 19, 2019

Wine Review: The Dark Horse “Brut Rose” is part of the ever-expanding Gallo Family of Wines portfolio. This offering directly competes with their Barefoot Sparkling but is a superior alternative. In the glass, this raspberry colored sparkler opens up with hints of strawberries, clementines, and bay leaves. The savoriness of this wine is well reigned-in by the berry and stone-fruit notes and the touch of acidity the anchors the finish. The flavors could last longer and would have helped this wine along nicely, and the acidity could also have had a bit more length to it. However, for a bottle that is meant to be consumed young and price ranges around $10 per bottle, this was a fine example of everyday Californian sparkling wine. You can't go wrong with some fruits thrown in and a nice warm day poolside. - Nicolay

Winemaker Notes: There's only one way to improve our perfectly crisp Rose: add bubbles. Winemaker Beth Liston selected premier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes for this blushing Brut Rose, leading to the subtle fruit character and vibrant aroma that make this sparkling Rose stand out from the crowd. It is bright and balanced. It displays flavors of fresh stone fruit and closes with a crisp finish. It pairs with everything from Italian prosciutto and Chinese takeout. Every single bottle of this unforgettable sparkling is something to celebrate.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Dark Horse NV Brut Rose.