Top Rosé Champagne Values According To The Major Wine Competitions
by Joseph V Micallef · ForbesNothing exemplifies celebration like a bottle of Champagne. France’s superlative sparkling wine has been a mainstay of life’s most important passages. Rosé Champagne, popular for its delicate flavors, combines red fruit notes with Champagne’s signature crispness, making it ideal for celebrations and a symbol of luxury and sophistication.
Looking for an outstanding and affordable bottle of Rosé Champagne for your next celebration? Here is a list of the 12 highest-rated, Non-Vintage (NV) Rosé Champagne expressions that generally retail for under $100 in the US and have won gold or higher awards in at least five major international wine competitions.
Rosé Champagne is a pink-hued champagne made by blending red and white wines or by macerating red grape skins with the must (grape juice) before fermentation, creating its characteristic color and flavor. Its origins trace back to Champagne, France, in the early 18th century, although rosé wines in general have a long history. The introduction of rosé Champagne as a distinct category is credited to major producers, including the House of Veuve Clicquot, which was instrumental in refining and popularizing rosé Champagnes in the late 1700s and early 1800s.
Top Champagne Buys
All bottles are 750 ml. Listed price is the average retail price and will vary by state.
Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé NV, $80
Founded in 1734, Taittinger is one of the oldest family-owned Champagne houses.
Awards: Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA), Gold; International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC), Gold; International Wine Challenge (IWC), Gold; Concours Mondial de Bruxelles (CMB), Gold; Global Rosé Masters (GRM), Gold.
The Champagne features intense strawberry, blackcurrant, and cherry flavors, with floral hints. It has fine bubbles and a smooth, velvety texture, with a persistent mousse and vibrant finish.
Moët & Chandon Rosé Impérial NV, $69
Moët & Chandon is one of the largest producers in Champagne, founded in 1743, with a focus on accessible luxury.
Awards: DWWA, Gold; GRM, Gold; IWSC, Gold; IWC, Gold; CMB, Gold.
The Champagne features red berry fruits of strawberry and raspberry, with floral and citrus notes. It is creamy, rich, and balanced with fresh acidity and persistent bubbles.
Ruinart Rosé NV, $97
The oldest Champagne house, founded in 1729, Ruinart is known for its refined and delicate style.
Awards: DWWA, Gold; IWSC, Gold; GRM, Gold; IWC, Gold; CMB, Gold.
Ruinart Rosé offers a palate of red berries, tangerine, and digestive biscuit. It is expansive yet gentle, perfect for pairing with savory dishes.
Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé NV, $96
Founded in 1812, Laurent-Perrier is known for its finesse and focus on Pinot Noir centered rosé.
Awards: GRM, Gold; DWWA, Gold; IWSC, Gold; IWC, Gold; CMB, Gold.
True to its reputation, the Champagne features intense red fruit flavors of strawberry and raspberry with a creamy texture, balanced by vibrant acidity and minerality.
Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé NV, $75
Known for its bold style and history of innovation, Veuve Clicquot is one of the most recognized Champagne houses in the world.
Awards: DWWA, Gold; IWSC, Gold; GRM, Gold; CMB, Gold; IWC, Gold.
The Champagne features aromas of red fruits, with a toasty brioche undertone. Its richness is balanced by vibrant acidity and a long finish.
Billecart-Salmon Brut Rosé NV, $96
Established in 1818, Billecart-Salmon is known for producing delicate and expressive Champagnes.
Awards: DWWA, Gold; IWSC, Gold; GRM, Gold; IWC, Gold; CMB, Gold.
This Champagne features red fruit aromas, a creamy texture, and crisp acidity. It has a fine mousse and a long, refreshing finish.
Gosset Grand Rosé Brut NV, $93
Gosset is one of the oldest Champagne houses, founded in 1584, and is known for its rich, full-bodied Champagnes. The perfect sparkling wine for a meal, it pairs beautifully with a range of dishes.
Awards: GRM, Gold; IWSC, Gold; DWWA, Gold; IWC, Gold; CMB, Gold.
The Champagne exhibits notes of strawberry and red currant, balanced with minerality and a creamy mouthfeel.
Pierre Gimonnet et Fils Rose de Blancs Premier Cru Brut, $75
A family-owned grower and Champagne producer with a focus on terroir-driven wines.
Awards: DWWA, Gold; IWSC, Gold; CMB, Gold; GRM, Gold; IWC, Gold.
The Champagne features fresh red fruit aromas with hints of flowers. It’s crisp and mineral driven with vibrant bubbles.
Henriot Brut Rosé NV, $75
Founded in 1808, Henriot is known for its elegant and aromatic Champagnes.
Awards: IWSC, Gold; DWWA, Gold; CMB, Gold; GRM, Gold; IWC, Gold.
The Champagne features delicate red berry flavors with floral and citrus notes. It has lively acidity and a smooth, creamy texture.
Charles Heidsieck Brut Rosé Réserve NV, $88
One of the most esteemed houses in Champagne, Charles Heidsieck is known for its complexity and richness.
Awards: GRM, Gold; DWWA, Gold; IWSC, Gold; IWC, Gold; CMB, Gold.
The Champagne features fresh berry aromas, toasty brioche, and spice. It has a rich texture and a long, structured finish.
Perrier-Jouët Blason Brut Rosé NV, $82
Founded in 1811, Perrier-Jouët is celebrated for its floral and elegant style.
Awards: IWSC, Gold; DWWA, Gold; GRM, Gold; CMB, Gold; IWC, Gold.
The Champagne exhibits pronounced floral aromas, with red fruit and a hint of spice. It has a fine mousse and a refreshing, well-balanced finish.
Bollinger Rosé NV, $98
Established in 1829 in Aÿ, Champagne, Bollinger has become synonymous with quality, even earning a royal warrant in the UK. Its style emphasizes depth, structure, and complexity.
Awards: IWSC, Gold; DWWA, Gold; GRM, Gold; CMB, Gold; IWC, Gold.
The Champagne features red currant raspberry, wild strawberry, and delicate spice, with a hint of brioche. It has a creamy, smooth finish, with balanced acidity.
Champagne will always be a mainstay of any celebration. These expressions are recognized for their exceptional balance, complexity, and affordability. They consistently win top honors at international competitions. While a mainstay of special occasions, you don’t need a special reason to enjoy an outstanding and affordable bottle of bubbly!
Cheers