We all need a wine like this sometimes: bubbly, crisp, lively and FUN! Stick a bottle in the ice. Pop it. Drink it. Repeat.

This old estate in Anjou seems to have it all dialed in. As pretty to look at as it is to drink, this gorgeous rosé sparker is made from the very local Grolleau grape augmented by a soupcon of equally local Chenin Blanc, and it’s everything you could ask for in a bottle of deliciously affordable bubbles. It’s dry for sure but not at all austere, meaning that just about everyone who gets a glass is going to love it. It reminds me, aromatically, of those little alpine strawberries we have growing in a pot in our backyard, with hints of orangey citrus, red berries and a dash of watermelon.

Bright and fresh, it has enough chutzpah to stand up to something fried—maybe a platter of stuffed zucchini blossoms (when in season) or calamari fritti with a lemony, spicy aioli. Or, dammit, why worry about the food at all? This is not a delicate rosé sparkler that demands a lot of academic consideration. But it’s not at all sweet or simpering, either. It’s, well, perfect!

These are the best bargain bubbles we’ve had in a while! Serve nicely chilled.

Staff Reviews:

John Rittmaster, Wine Director: "This is all Cabernet Franc and it shows in its nuances of peppery, wild strawberry fruit. Love the color and themed-weight, elegant mouthfeel. Very dry, super food friendly. ***"

Frank Rothstein, Minister of Value: "I love Cabernet Franc as a still red wine so it was fun to experience this sparkling rose version. Great CF spiciness and a clean, crisp finish. **+"