The Veuve Laperrière Rosé NV is a pale pink French sparkling wine, dry but generous, with red berry fruit doing most of the talking. Made in the Loire Valley by Maison Ackerman, it is a friendly, easy-drinking style rather than a serious, austere one.

Strawberry and red cherry lead the aromatics, with a little raspberry cordial, rose petal and a light bready note behind them. The palate follows the same line, with fresh summer berries, a touch of citrus peel and a soft creaminess through the middle.

The mousse is fine and quite persistent, and there is enough acidity to keep the fruit tidy rather than sweet. Texture is smooth and rounded, and the finish is clean, gently savoury and short to medium in length, which is exactly what you want in a bottle that gets poured quickly.

Serve this Loire Valley rosé well chilled with charcuterie, prawns, smoked salmon blinis, salt and pepper squid, or a plate of jamón and melon. It also works with strawberries and cream, or on its own as an aperitif before a long lunch.

Veuve Laperrière Rosé NV is made to be drunk on release and is best enjoyed within a year or two of purchase, while the fruit is at its brightest and the bead is still lively.