Lubanzi Rose Bubbles, Swartland, South Africa

Lubanzi Rosé Bubbles is a spirited expression of South Africa's Swartland, bringing together old-vine Cinsault, thoughtful winemaking, and a mission that extends well beyond the vineyard. Sourced from 37-year-old, dry-farmed bush vines rooted in decomposed granite and shale, this non-vintage sparkling rosé is made from handpicked grapes that undergo gentle whole-bunch pressing, limited skin contact, and small-batch fermentation with indigenous yeasts. The wine is raised entirely in stainless steel and carbonated in micro-batches before being sealed under a crown cap, offering an approachable alternative to traditionally bottle-fermented sparkling wine. Created by a socially conscious wine company that reinvests half its annual net profits into South African wine-farming communities, Rosé Bubbles brings purpose and a sense of adventure to every occasion.

Product Details:

• Founders: Charlie Brain and Walker Brow
• Winemaking Collaborators: Trizanne Barnard and Bruce Jack
• Grape Variety: 100% Cinsault
• Vine Age: Approximately 37 years
• Vine Training: Traditional bush vines
• Farming: Dry-farmed, unirrigated vineyards
• Soils: Decomposed granite and shale
• Harvest: Handpicked, typically January through February
• Pressing: Gentle whole-bunch pressing with limited skin contact
• Fermentation: Small-batch fermentation with indigenous yeasts
• Fermentation and Aging Vessels: Stainless steel
• Oak Aging: None
• Sparkling Method: Carbonated in micro-batches with added CO2
• Alcohol by Volume: 11%
• Total Acidity: 5.8 g/L
• Residual Sugar: 3.7 g/L
• Closure: Crown cap
• Social Commitment: 50% of annual net profits pledged to the Pebbles Project
• Sustainability Certifications and Memberships: Certified B Corporation, Fair for Life Fair Trade Certified, Climate Label Certified, and 1% for the Planet member

Sensory Description:

A delicate rose-pink hue introduces an inviting bouquet of fresh strawberries, red cherries, raspberries, and subtle citrus blossom, with a faint yeasty nuance adding complexity. The palate is lively and fruit-forward, offering juicy strawberry, pink and yellow cherry, red apple, and a touch of cranberry, carried by a gentle, refreshing spritz. Light to medium in body, the wine combines its generous red-fruit character with bright acidity and a clean, understated mineral quality. Its modest residual sugar is balanced by the wine's natural freshness, allowing the fruit to remain expressive without becoming heavy. The finish is crisp, cheerful, and lightly textured, with lingering impressions of summer berries and citrus.

Awards & Accolades:

• 90 Points: Tasting Panel
• 88 Points: Wine Enthusiast, April 2023, reviewed by Jesica Vargas
• 88 Points: 2023 Sommeliers Choice Awards, NV Rosé Bubbles

Winemaker's Background:

Lubanzi Wines was founded in Cape Town in 2016 by American friends Charlie Brain and Walker Brown, whose connection to South Africa began during their travels as students in 2014. While hiking approximately 100 miles along the country's Wild Coast, they were accompanied for six days by a wandering dog named Lubanzi, an encounter that later inspired the company's name and adventurous outlook. Determined to build a wine business that benefited the people responsible for growing its grapes, the founders partnered with South African winemakers Trizanne Barnard and Bruce Jack, along with local growers, farmworkers, and creative collaborators. Their approach emphasizes accessible, thoughtfully produced wines and a more equitable relationship between wine brands and agricultural communities. Through its longstanding partnership with the Pebbles Project, Lubanzi pledges 50% of annual net profits to programs supporting the health, education, and well-being of families living and working on South Africa's wine farms. The company has further reinforced this mission through its B Corp certification, Fair for Life accreditation, environmental commitments, and participation in 1% for the Planet.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve well chilled at approximately 43–47°F (6–8°C) in a sparkling wine tulip or white wine glass to showcase the wine's lively bubbles and expressive fruit character. Lubanzi Rosé Bubbles is an excellent aperitif for sunny afternoons, outdoor gatherings, picnics, and relaxed celebrations, while its refreshing acidity makes it particularly versatile at the table. Pair it with fresh oysters, grilled shrimp, smoked salmon, sushi, or lightly seasoned seafood, or enjoy alongside summer salads, charcuterie, goat cheese, and Mediterranean-inspired appetizers. Its fruit-forward profile also complements strawberry and watermelon salads, mild cheeses, and dishes with a touch of spice. Best enjoyed young and fresh, this sparkling rosé is equally suited to casual sipping and festive occasions that call for something bright, approachable, and effortlessly enjoyable.