Still looking for that last minute Valentine's Day gift? $12 wine bottles that beat out $60 bottles

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Posted: 02/11/2011

CINCINNATI - Looking for a little something to add some sparkle to your Valentine's Day celebration? Then check out the trendiest new drink: Rosé sparking wine!

But buyer beware: Some are a lot better than others.

At this wine bar, the owner says sales of Rosé sparkling wine are on the rise.

It's called champagne if it's from the champagne region of france. Otherwise, it's sparkling wine.

So what makes it pink? The skins of the red grapes are left to soak briefly before pressing, resulting in the color and additional red berry and spice flavors.

Our partners at Consumer Reports magazine just looked at 16 bottles of sparkling Rosé wine, costing from $12 a bottle all the way up to more than $60.

Consumer Reports' Adam Kaplan says "they evaluate the individual attributes, like sweetness and complexity and balance, and they put it together and come up with an overall score."

The bubbles are also an important part of the tests.

Kaplan adds "what you're looking for is a lot of small bubbles that really bring the flavors into the palate."

So small bubbles, and more of them, make for a better wine. It turns out two 12-dollar sparkling wines came out on top, doing better than a $64 bottle!

The winner: De Bortoli Emeri Pink Moscato.

The Korbel Brut Rosé was a strong second.

No matter which sparkling wine you choose, consumer reports says once you pop the cork, tilt the glass and pour the wine gently along the side. That way you'll preserve the most bubbles.

If the pink is a little too much for you, and you prefer traditional bubbly, Consumer Reports recommends Gloria Ferrer Sonam Brut, and Mimm Nap Brut. Both were very good, and less than $20 a bottle.

 

Copyright 2011 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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