Pierre Sparr Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé and Crémant d’Alsace Brut Réserve ­— Alsace, France

A pair of knockout dry sparklings for you this week from Pierre Sparr, a family whose winemaking dates back more than 300 years in the northeast corner of France. Fashioned in the traditional method (it’s referred to as Crémant d’Alsace in this part of France since, as you might know, it can only be called Champagne if it’s technically from the Champagne region), these are both superb values for the quality of winemaking exhibited from Cellar Master Alexandra Boudrot and her team.

With a hue ranging from blood orange in the centre to bright salmon on the edges, the Pinot Noir-based Brut Rosé ($19.95) is just marvellous. Dry and focused with slightly underripe strawberry and raspberry and a hint of citrus, its flavourful combination packs a punch, be it as an aperitif or with the main course. There’s plenty of acidity to cleanse the palate, but smooth tannins help give it a surprisingly long finish. This new release is a really good summer BBQ wine. 90

And there’s certainly no drop-off with the Pinot Blanc-based Brut Réserve ($18.95). A minerality keeps the notes or green apple, pear, mango and brioche in check in a tight, frothy package of fine bubbles. The finish is where wines at this price often suffer, but not this one. It’s soft and clean at the end, begging for more. It releases this coming Saturday, July 25 at the LCBO. 91