NV Banfi Rosa Regale

The color is very pretty and bright, ruby with a fizz of bubbles. The nose is rose petals and sweet strawberries. This is definitely a sweet sparkler, a fizzy blend of raspberry and strawberry sherbert, with a little rosewater making a floral appearance on the mid-palate. There is a surprising amount of acid for such an moderately priced sweet wine, suggesting it might be food friendly if paired with a moderately sweet creamy dessert, perhaps a raspberry-topped creme brulee. The goal in such a pairing is to match and complement, rather than contrast. Recommended. DH

WHO: Banfi
WHAT: Sweet sparkling red
WHERE: Piedmont, Italy
WHEN: N/V
HOW MUCH: $22 (media sample)