If you’re a man, does loving sparkling wine make you a dandy, or result in the mandatory revocation of your man card? I ask because I was having this debate the other night. What about if you love pink sparkling wine? Can you chop logs in the morning and a bottle in the evening?
I say you can! Have that rosé and chug that Cosmo; you manliness credentials remain intact. And so I did, buying that drinking up the Rondel Rosé. Here’s the view from the bottom of that flute.
Summing It Up
Wine: Rondel Rosé Semi Seco Cava
Grape: Unclear; I think it’s a blend.
Bottom Line: A light wine that strikes a great balance between sour/dry and sweet. I really liked it.
Price: About $8.99 for a 750 mL bottle
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Details
Origin: Spain
Alcohol: I’m not sure, because I accidentally recycled the bottle before writing this review.
Looks: A standard, clear sparkling wine bottle with very simple labeling. The wine itself is an orange/rose color.
Smell: Somewhat sour/dry smell.
Taste: The Rondel Rosé Semi Seco Cava tastes kind of like lightly sugared grapefruit, but in a good, wine-y way (not in a juice-type way or consistency). It’s a bit dry, but also has a light, pleasant sweetness.
It’s not too gaseous, and strikes a great, pleasant balance between dryness/sourness and sweetness. I love sweet wines, and this one was great because it was sweet but not too much, but also not so dry or sour as to be unpleasant.
The Rondel is also refreshing, and easy to drink in large amounts.
Hangover Factor: Fine, nothing out of the ordinary.
Final Thoughts
A really good, pleasant sparkling wine at a great price. Easy to buy, easy to drink. It’s not particular complex or “deep” or anything like that; but it tastes good, and that’s my main criteria – great taste at a low price. This one fits the bill.
Note: This is a series I call Caveman Wine Reviews, because I like to drink wine but am a caveman when it comes to wine knowledge. I know only the basics, and do not have a refined palate. I’ll review the wines on price and what they look, smell, and taste like to me.
Hi Miguel, My wine knowledge is limited too. I like an occasional glass with dinner. Vodka and beer are my go tos. Thanks for the review. Any vodka reviews in your future? Tom
Hey Tom,
I find learning about wine really difficult, but lean towards sparkling wines. Whites don’t taste that good to me, and reds don’t sit well with my stomach. I did a vodka review a long time ago (Tito’s). I love Tito’s, and would absolutely recommend it. Extremely smooth, and relatively inexpensive. I also like Ketel One, especially for martinis.
Cheers,
Miguel
The only sparkling drink I like is Champagne! So French of me:) Have you ever tried Rose Champagne?
As far as wine, I love Pino Grigio …next review?
Hey Caroline,
Haha yes, I love rosé (and any kind of sparkling wine, really). I don’t think I’ve tried Pino (I’m sure I’ve had it, but not realizing it’s what I’m drinking). Good idea!
Cheers,
Miguel
Hi Miguel! I like red wine and Mrs. DS prefers white. We often find that the best stuff is usually under $10 a bottle. Which suits us quite well haha! I enjoyed the review.
Hi Mr. DS!
Thanks! I lean mostly toward sparkling wine, beer, and liquor. I like reds but they give me stomach aches and hangovers 🙁
You’re right, there’s plenty of tasty wine under $10. 🙂
Cheers!
Miguel