McBride Sisters Sparkling Rosé is our Wine of the Week

This is a bright, but not aggressive, sparkling rosé made of pinot noir, chardonnay, and merlot from Hawke’s Bay, NZ. McBride Sisters Sparkling Rosé is dry, with notes of rose petals, fresh strawberries, ripe cranberries, yellow peaches, strawberry cream, and brioche. There is no bitterness or minerality to be found. The wine stays solidly in the ‘pretty’ zone, with the deftest combination of florals and berries, elegance, and restraint. Its fine bubbles persist. In short, this is our current top favorite wine that will pair with just about anything.

Our Wines of the Week meet strict standards:

• The wine must be memorable in that “I still think about it days later” way.

• It must be GETTABLE - private stock that no one can ever find or taste is pointless.

• There needs to be at least one unique, distinguishing characteristic.

• It has to have good story!

So let’s get to it.

It’s memorable. I sampled this wine on January 2, 2021. (WHAT A WAY TO WELCOME THE NEW YEAR!) It is currently January 8th and I can still taste it as vividly as if a glass were still in front of me. This doesn’t always happen. When it does, it’s moments. Wine moments. The ones for which you are always searching.

It’s gettable. At around $22, McBride Sisters isn’t exactly inexpensive, but it’s worth every penny and definitely worth re-ordering. This is 100% a new Go To to keep on hand. Based on the state in which you live, it may be available through our affiliate, wine.com. (Sorry, PA, it hasn’t been available for awhile.)

It’s unique and distinguishing. Hawke’s Bay is located on the north eastern side of New Zealand’s north island. It’s a large, diverse area mostly known for syrah, cabs, merlot, and good-quality chardonnays. Pinot Noir is grown more inland at higher altitudes and cooler temps. The use of - and depth of flavor coaxed out of - what could arguably called two lesser superstar grapes (pinot noir and chardonnay) from the area is fantastic. Although the blend is enhanced by the presence of merlot, merlot only makes up 6%. Taste-wise, the strawberry cream finish comes through and through.

The story. Two sisters, unknown to each other, were raised across the world from each other. One grew up in Monterey, California, and the other in Marlborough, New Zealand. When they finally met, they discovered they both had a deep love for wine and were both winemakers!! Robin and Andrea formed the McBride Sisters Collection, are also behind the brand Black Girl Magic and the SHE CAN Collection. Today the McBride Sisters own and run the largest Black owned wine company in the United States. Stories truly don’t get much better than that.

Experience the McBride Sister’s Sparkling Rosé for yourself. I promise your life will get just a little bit better.