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Popping champagne has become a common activity during any celebration. Associated with wealth and luxury the drink is valued more for its exclusivity. But with the introduction of pink champagne, there was a new standard set. It is thought that Veuve Clicquot was the first to produce and sell rosé Champagne, in 1775 although there are some debates as to whether it originated 10 years prior to that at Ruinart, another legendary house of champagne.
At the time, champagne was primarily produced as a white wine made from black grapes. However, winemakers soon realized that by leaving the skins of red grapes in contact with the juice for a short period of time, they could produce a lighter, pink-hued wine. This technique, known as "skin contact," results in the transfer of colour and tannins from the grape skins to the juice, creating a unique flavour profile and a pink tint.
Today, pink champagne is produced using a variety of methods, including the addition of red wine to white wine, and the use of specific grape varieties such as Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, which are known for their fruity and floral notes. Many winemakers also employ a combination of methods to create their signature styles of rosé champagne.
The vast majority of contemporary rosés are blended, a technique credited to Madame Barbe-Nicole Clicquot of Veuve Clicquot. The famous widow had a difficult time with the taste of rosé Champagne made through maceration, so she experimented extensively with other techniques and variations of the production process, finally opting to blend red and white wine together to produce the desired results for rosé Champagne (prior to the second fermentation in the bottle where bubbles are created).
The popularity of pink champagne quickly grew, and by the mid-19th century, it had become a staple at social gatherings and celebrations. The wine was favoured for its light, crisp flavour, and its versatility as a drink that could be enjoyed both before and during a meal.
Pink champagne has a long and rich history that can be traced back to the early 19th century in the Champagne region of France. Today, it remains one of the most popular and beloved types of sparkling wine, enjoyed by millions of people around the world. Whether sipped solo or paired with food, pink champagne continues to be a symbol of celebration and good times.
