Champagne Larmandier-Bernier 1er Cru Rosé de Saignée NV Base 18. Disg. Jan 2021

Champagne Larmandier-Bernier 1er Cru Rosé de Saignée is made by bleeding off juice after several days on skins, a method now rare in Champagne.

Larmandier-Bernier farms biodynamically from Vertus at the southern end of the Côte des Blancs, and this is the one red-fruited wine in the range. It is drawn entirely from what are thought to be the oldest Pinot Noir vines in Vertus, around 45 years old, in one of the village's last vineyards planted solely to Pinot. The parcel is in fact co-planted, roughly 90 per cent Pinot Noir with ten per cent Pinot Gris, and both go into the wine. The fruit macerated for several days before the juice was drawn off, which supplies the colour, body and much of the flavour. Saignée is demanding and requires very ripe fruit, which is why most Champagne rosé is instead made by adding a little red wine. Fermentation was natural, part in a Nomblot concrete egg and part in stainless steel.

Drinking now and will hold for eight years or more. Serve at 8°C with smoked or grilled salmon, duck breast or charcuterie.

*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.