2012 Balletto Sparkling Rose Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California

Balletto Sparkling Rose is an oasis of flavor in a sea of sparkling rose mediocrity.  This wine is an unusual blend of 70% Pinot noir fermented in stainless steel and 30% Chardonnay fermented in neutral wood, then it undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation.

The result is a wine that jumps from the glass with aromas and flavors never before tasted by this tasters jaded palate; something I gave up on happening again a few years ago. Summertime smoked meat never tasted better than when paired with this lively flavorful bubbly.

The pairing is a complex juxtaposition of textures and flavors. Sharp acidity is the key to making it work, and juicy strawberry, watermelon fruit flavors with a floral presence are doing overtime through the fat, acid transfer. Resulting in an impressive display of the parts (wine and BBQ) becoming larger than the sum in this equation.

Rating: Excellent (91) | $42 | 13.3 % ABV