While searching for an interesting sparkling wine for my wedding, I came across Domaine Allimant-Laugner Crémant D’Alsace Brut Rose, a sparkling wine from the Alsace region in France.

Priced at $19 a bottle, this Crémant D’Alsace Rose is 100% Pinot Noir and 100% excellent. It features a delicate pale-pink color and loads of fine bubbles. For me, both the carbonation and the light floral qualities in the wine balanced its slight acidity. Some say Crémant D’Alsace Rose is creamy, although I failed to pick up on this quality. And unlike some sparkling wines I’ve tried in this price range, this Crémant D’Alsace Rose has no lingering or fowl aftertaste.

What I like about this wine, specifically for a special day like my wedding, is that it’s a somewhat unexpected choice for a toasting wine. It’s not overly dry like some champagnes, nor overly sweet like a prosecco. Just looking at the Cremant Rose is fun! I know that people will be asking one another “What is this interesting wine?” Rather than saying “Bleeeetch!” The only problem (or should I say benefit) in serving Cremant Rose in place of other sparkling wines is that you will surely be serving seconds.

So when should you consume this delectable wine?
Many people suggest serving rose wines at summer picnics – but why, I don’t know. There is no better time to enjoy a taste of summer than in the frigid days of winter. Crank up the thermostat or light a fire and pop open a bottle of Crémant D’Alsace Rose. No matter if it’s 70 degrees and sunny or 22 degress and snowing, your spirits will be lifted with the first sip of this very fun sparkling wine.

The non-rose version, Crémant D’Alsace, is a traditional pale yellow sparkling wine made from a variety of grapes, including Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. Allimant-Laugner produces both Crémant and Crémant Rose in the traditional “méthode champenoise” – which from what I’ve heard is a very labor-intensive method!

Domaine Allimant-Laugner’s Alsace vineyards lie at the foot of Haut Koenigsbourg, on the wine route in the heart of Alsace. View more wines from Domaine Allimant-Laugner.