Simonsig Wine Estate, Western Cape (South Africa) 2015

 Winemakers can have difficulty taming Pinotage, a grape created by a genetic crossing of Pinot Noir and Cinsault, when transforming it into red wine.  Simonsig has done a fabulous job using the grape in this rosé sparkling wine.  A blend Pinot Noir (63%), Pinotage (35%) and Pinot Meunier, this bubbly delivers subtle red fruit notes with exotic accents — which seem attributable to Pinotage’s contributions.  Its light pink color makes it easy on the eyes and its stiff spine keeps it all in balance.  It’s a good choice for a holiday sparkler and sturdy enough to match a first course of smoked salmon.