In an ever ending line up of bottles vying for customer’s attention, exactly how do you stand out these days?. Luxurious black bottles with pink accents and a silk-screened paperless label. Caught your attention? Wait till you pop the cork and release the bright pink bubbles of Luc Belaire Rare Rosé.
Disclaimer: I first discovered Luc Belaire at their Dublin launch in Zozimus Bar (pictured below). I was also very kindly gifted some for a bridal brunch I was attending. All thoughts, opinions etc are my own and this is not sponsored or an ad, nor does it include any supplier/distributor directed content.
Rosé is not just for Summer
I’m an avid fan of all things Rosé I have to say. Granted, by the masses its considered more of a Summer drink. With the weather we have been having I’ve got rosé on the brain. Sipping a cold glass with the feet up in the back garden is as close to perfect as it gets. I reviewed a few rosé wines previously like this Domaine de Millet or this Domaine Horgelus. Now add bubbles to your rosé and you are all set to sparkle at a whole new level. What for many was once just seasonal, now becomes an all year round celebration drink.
The Background and the Grapes
Founded in 1898 the winery which produces Luc Belaire have been in business for six generations. The Rare Rosé sparkling wine is produced in Provence, an area renowned for the production of rosé wines. Also within the range are Belaire Gold and Belaire Luxe, both of which are produced from 100% Chardonnay in Burgundy. The Rare Rosé is a made from a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault.
The Luc Belaire Style
The Luc Belaire bottles are a social media dream. They photograph beautifully and look premium. Add to that the Fantome light up editions and the fun factor is multiplied. The brand has garnered a serious foot hold in international markets since its release. Clever marketing, celebrity endorsements and brand recognition have positioned Luc Belaire as fresh and relevant. Something that perhaps Prosecco and Cava have not managed to do (totally open to debate) as successfully.
The Taste
Now we are all familiar with the phrase ‘fur coat no knickers‘. So with that in mind, let me tell you what is under the Luc Belaire Rare Rosé fur coat. I am happy to report that in my opinion the knickers are of a very good quality (I’ll leave the knicker references there).
When released from its black chamber this sparkling wine is deep pink in colour when poured. It has an effervescence that is light and tingling. The nose is fruit led with delicate strawberry and hints of blackcurrant. There are also subtle floral notes and a faint whiff of citrus. Taste wise the bubbles will dance on your tongue. They then settle into flavours of strawberry, blackcurrant and blackberry. If I’m not mistaken there may also be a mineral quality in its finish. It’s medium to full body yet surprisingly light, fresh and lively. Overall this sparkling rosé is a fun and vibrant wine perfect for a Summers day or that special celebration.
Where can you find it?
Luc Belaire may not currently be as widely known as others in Ireland but it is certainly making in roads in the luxury sparkling wine market. Its available in over 85 countries and here in Ireland its stocked in locations such as Zozimus, The Waterloo bar and Harrys on the Green. Here in Skerries where I live my local, Ollies, stock the Fantome version (€75), which is a glow in the dark bottle. Further afield from Dublin the Residence Hotel in Galway offer an in room Belaire service (€80) and you will also find it stocked in The Ice House Hotel in Ballina and the Westport Hotel group. The RRP is €39.99 and Luc Belaire is distributed by Findlater Wine and Spirit Group in Ireland.
….a salad and a bottle of bubbles…..
Scroll down to watch a short video about the vineyard and wine making process behind Luc Belaire. The showstopping champagne stopper (below) which happens to match the bottle perfectly was given to me by a lady on my WSET Level 2 Wines and Spirits course. It went down a treat as the bubbly centre piece of a fun bridal brunch. The only draw back is, if you open one bottle, then you will want another. Incidentally it happened to be paired with a range of salads including goats cheese which I found matched well. A salad and a bottle of bubbles, now there’s a diet I can get on board with.
