Champagne Larmandier-Bernier 1er Cru Rosé de Saignée NV Base 18. Disg. Jan 2020

Champagne Larmandier-Bernier 1er Cru Rosé de Saignée takes its colour from skin maceration rather than from the addition of still red wine, a method now rare in the region.

Vertus sits at the southern end of the Côte des Blancs, a premier cru village far better known for Chardonnay than for Pinot Noir. Larmandier-Bernier works a small parcel there that is thought to hold the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the commune, at around 45 years, and one of the village's last plots given over to the variety. It is co-planted, roughly 90% Pinot Noir with 10% Pinot Gris, and both go into the wine. The fruit macerated on skins before the juice was run off, which supplies the colour and much of the body. Saignée is demanding and now uncommon in Champagne because it requires fruit of real ripeness; most rosé here is instead blended with a little red wine. Fermentation was with native yeasts, part in a Nomblot concrete egg and part in stainless steel, with amphorae also under trial. This bottling is based on the 2018 harvest and was disgorged in January 2020.

Ready now and with the structure to hold for several years, it suits charcuterie, duck rillettes or grilled prawns. Serve at about 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.