Martini & Rossi Sparkling Rose

Martini & Rossi Sparkling Rosé is an Italian sparkling rosé wine produced in Piedmont at 11.5% ABV in a standard 750ml bottle. Scored 93 points by Tastings.com (April 2023) and awarded Gold Medals at both the Critics Challenge Wine Competition and Challenge International du Vin, this bottling punches well above its accessible price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 11.5%  |  Origin: Piedmont, Italy  |  Style: Sparkling Rosé  |  Producer: Martini & Rossi, Turin

Production & Heritage

Martini & Rossi traces its roots to Turin, in Italy's Piedmont region, where the house has been producing wines and vermouths since 1863. This Sparkling Rosé is made using the Martinotti method (also known as Charmat), where secondary fermentation occurs in pressurized stainless steel tanks rather than individual bottles, preserving the wine's bright fruit character and freshness. The blend of Riesling Italico, Nebbiolo, Glera, and Chardonnay is particularly noteworthy — Nebbiolo, the noble red grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco, lends the wine its distinctive rusty sunset hue, while the white varieties contribute crisp acidity and aromatic complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Soft wild rose and pink florals open the nose, followed by green apple and hints of dried apricot. A gentle thread of cranberry blossom honey rounds out the bouquet.

Taste: The entry is crisp with green apple giving way to fresh summer berries — wild strawberry and raspberry — at mid-palate. Cherry and strawberry fruit leather emerge alongside orange zest, balanced by a refreshingly dry acidity that keeps the wine from veering into sweetness.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering citrus and red fruit flavors. A clean, dry close leaves a subtle floral impression that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Martini Sparkling Rosé

Serve well chilled at 40–45°F in a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the delicate aromatics. This is a versatile sparkling wine that drinks beautifully on its own but also shines in mixed drinks.

• Aperol Spritz (Rosé variation): The berry and floral notes complement Aperol's bitter orange profile, adding depth to the classic aperitivo.
• French 75 (Rosé twist): Swap traditional Champagne for this sparkling rosé to introduce strawberry and citrus layers alongside gin and lemon.
• Rossini: Blended with fresh strawberry purée, the wine's existing berry character amplifies the cocktail's fruit-forward identity.

Best For

• Summer brunches and outdoor entertaining where a crowd-pleasing sparkler is needed
• An introductory Italian sparkling wine for those exploring beyond Prosecco
• Valentine's Day or anniversary toasts that call for something festive and pink
• Hosting a casual aperitivo hour with light bites and charcuterie

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Martini Sparkling Rosé taste like? It delivers crisp green apple and fresh summer berries — particularly wild strawberry and raspberry — balanced by pink floral notes and a refreshingly dry citrus finish. The overall impression is bright, fruity, and clean without excessive sweetness.

How does Martini Sparkling Rosé compare to Prosecco Rosé? Both are Italian sparkling wines made using the Martinotti (Charmat) method and share the Glera grape, but Martini Sparkling Rosé incorporates Nebbiolo — the prestige grape of Barolo — which contributes deeper color and a more complex red-fruit profile. Prosecco Rosé, regulated under DOC rules since 2020, typically relies on Pinot Nero for its rosé character and tends to be slightly more delicate.

Is Martini Sparkling Rosé good for beginners? Yes — its approachable fruit-forward profile, moderate 11.5% ABV, and lively bubbles make it an accessible entry point into sparkling wine. The dry finish prevents it from being cloying, which also satisfies more experienced palates.

Where is Martini Sparkling Rosé made? It is produced by the historic Martini & Rossi house in Turin, located in Italy's Piedmont region. Piedmont is renowned for both its still wines (Barolo, Barbaresco) and its sparkling wine tradition, including Asti Spumante.

What foods pair well with Martini Sparkling Rosé? Fresh strawberries and soft cheeses like burrata complement the wine's berry notes. Smoked salmon or prosciutto plays off its dry acidity. Light salads with citrus vinaigrette mirror the wine's citrus zest character. Sushi and seafood crudo work well thanks to the crisp, clean finish. Fruit tarts or panna cotta echo the subtle sweetness without overwhelming the palate.

What sizes does Martini Sparkling Rosé come in? The standard offering is a 750ml bottle, which is widely available; a 187ml single-serve format has also been produced for the brand's sparkling range.

Is Martini Sparkling Rosé worth the price? It positions firmly as an entry-level sparkling rosé, yet its multi-grape blend featuring Nebbiolo and its Gold Medal wins at international competitions deliver quality that rivals bottles at higher price tiers — strong value by any measure.

Why Martini Sparkling Rosé?

The inclusion of Nebbiolo — a grape almost exclusively reserved for Italy's most revered still reds — in a sparkling rosé blend is genuinely unusual at this price level and gives the wine a sunset-pink color and red-fruit depth that commodity sparkling rosés lack. A 93-point score from Tastings.com and Gold Medals from both the Critics Challenge Wine Competition and Challenge International du Vin confirm that the quality is more than cosmetic. Backed by over 160 years of Piedmontese winemaking heritage, Martini & Rossi brings credibility and consistency to a category often crowded with forgettable options. For anyone seeking a reliable, well-made Italian sparkler with genuine character, this bottling delivers.