# Belíssimo Espumante Bruto Rosé (NV)

- **Producer:** Casa Santos Lima
- **Colour:** rosé
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Negra Mole
- **Region:** Algarve, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €9
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 6–8 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** strawberry, raspberry, redcurrant, rose, grapefruit, biscuit, cream

## About this wine

Belíssimo Espumante Bruto Rosé is crafted by the renowned Portuguese producer Casa Santos Lima in the sunny southern region of Algarve. Known for its coastal influence and sandy soils, the Algarve provides a unique terroir for indigenous grape varieties. This sparkling wine highlights Negra Mole, a versatile native grape that thrives in the region's warm climate tempered by Atlantic breezes. Casa Santos Lima, a family-owned company with a long history of winemaking across Portugal, expanded to the Algarve to showcase the potential of this historic wine-growing region.

## Interesting facts

- Negra Mole is the signature grape of the Algarve, rarely found outside this southern Portuguese region.
- Casa Santos Lima is one of Portugal's most prolific producers, expanding to Algarve to revive local winemaking traditions.
- The Algarve's unique microclimate combines hot Mediterranean sun with cooling Atlantic winds, ideal for balanced sparkling wines.

## Food pairing

The high acidity and effervescence of this dry sparkling rosé make it an exceptional palate cleanser. It cuts beautifully through oily fish like sardines and pairs wonderfully with light, savory appetizers, seafood, and mildly spiced dishes typical of southern Portuguese cuisine.

## Wine making process

This sparkling rosé is produced using modern temperature-controlled fermentation techniques to preserve the fresh, primary fruit characteristics of the Negra Mole grape. Following the initial fermentation, the wine undergoes a secondary fermentation to create its delicate bubbles, resulting in a crisp, dry 'Bruto' style that balances vibrant fruitiness with refreshing acidity.