When I picked up the wine from Canada on the tour of Niagara on the Lake, my tour guide tried to convince me that I don’t want to drink Twenty Three Bubbles Sparkling Rosé.  He said, ‘it’s just a basic sparkler, there’s really nothing special about it’, and then was about to point me in the direction of the $40 bottles of ice wine that look like pencils (ok, really big pencils).  I assure him, that as an individual with an interest in under $10 wine, that this was well inside my wheel house, and I should give it ago.  So did I make the right call about Twenty Three Bubbles Sparkling Rosé, or should I have listed to my tour guide?

Sight:  A medium orangish – pink color with a few little bubbles

Smell:  Fresh red cherries, a hint of dustiness, and plenty of cranberries all come to the front.  A bit of herbalness is present in an otherwise subtle nose.

Sip:  The start is bright, with lots of cranberry, currant, and a touch of a bitter herbal element.  The sweetness is very much minimal, despite being listed a sweet rosé wine.    Apple and minerals come into play with a bit of underripe strawberry, and the light mouthfeel is complimented by the bubbles.

Savor:  The ending is a strange combination of underripe red fruits, slightly bitter citrus pith, and hints of minerality.  Despite this, it goes for some time.

While the description of Twenty Three Bubbles Sparkling Rosé is that of a sweet rosé, it doesn’t quite get there thanks to the plethora of herbal notes.  While there are some good elements in the flavors of strawberry and cranberry, it does get somewhat overwhelmed by the pithiness and herbs on the finish.  When you consider that this sells at almost same price as the Anna de Codorniu Brut Rose, the value just isn’t there.  If you like a dry herbal rosé, then Twenty Three Bubbles Sparkling Rosé is for you, most others can pass.

Verdict:  Herbal, Pithy, Minerals, Underripe Strawberry
Rating: 50
Price: $12 CAD
Niagara on the Lake, Ontario, Canada