Segura Viudas Cava Rose

Segura Viudas Cava Rosé is a dry sparkling rosé, and the name points to the traditional-method Spanish sparkling style. Rosé Cava of this kind is usually built on red grapes such as Garnacha, Pinot Noir or Trepat. Expect a pale salmon to light raspberry colour and a fine, persistent bead. On the nose, look for wild strawberry, red cherry and raspberry, sometimes with a faint note of blood orange or dried rose petal. The listing doesn't give the exact blend, sweetness level or ABV, so check the label for those. Styles like this are typically light to medium in body, crisp in acidity, with almost no perceptible tannin and little or no oak influence. Any toasty, brioche-like note would come from time on the lees rather than from barrels, and the finish is usually clean, dry and fruit-led. At the table, the acidity and red-berry fruit suit salty, fried and savoury food. Try it with jamón or other cured meats, Manchego, croquetas, patatas bravas, shrimp in garlic, or sushi and tempura. It also handles charcuterie boards, roast chicken, salmon, and mildly spiced dishes where a still rosé might feel flat. Because it's dry, it works with appetisers and main courses better than with sweet desserts. Serve it well chilled, around 6 to 8°C (43 to 46°F), which keeps the bubbles tight and the fruit bright. Two to three hours in the refrigerator, or about 30 minutes in an ice bucket, is enough. Don't decant: sparkling wine loses its mousse quickly, so pour straight from the bottle. A tulip-shaped flute or a small white-wine glass is the best choice. These concentrate the strawberry aromas and hold the bubbles better than a wide coupe. This is a drink-now bottle. Non-vintage sparkling rosé is made to be enjoyed fresh, within a year or two of purchase, and doesn't gain from long cellaring. Store it upright or on its side in a cool, dark place until it goes in the refrigerator.