Champagne Larmandier-Bernier 1er Cru Rosé de Saignée 1.5L MAGNUM NV Base 18. Disg. Apr 2021

Champagne Larmandier-Bernier 1er Cru Rosé de Saignée is a Vertus rosé coloured by bleeding juice off macerating Pinot Noir rather than by blending in red wine.

Vertus is a premier cru at the southern end of the Côte des Blancs, better known for Chardonnay, which makes Larmandier-Bernier's Pinot Noir holdings there unusual. This cuvée comes from a co-planted parcel of roughly 90 per cent Pinot Noir and 10 per cent Pinot Gris, thought to be the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the village at around 45 years and one of its last plots given over entirely to the variety. The grapes macerate for several days before the juice is drawn off, the saignée method that supplies colour, body and much of the flavour. It is a demanding way to work, requiring fruit of real maturity, which is why most Champagne rosé is instead made by adding a little still red wine. Fermentation was natural, part in a Nomblot concrete egg and part in stainless steel. This is a 2018 base disgorged in April 2021, in magnum.

The magnum format will reward several more years in the cellar, and the wine handles charcuterie, roast quail or a plate of jamón. Serve at around 8°C.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.