Champagne Larmandier-Bernier 1er Cru Rosé de Saignée NV Base 20. Disg. Feb 23

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

Vertus sits at the southern end of the Côte des Blancs and is planted overwhelmingly to Chardonnay, so a Pinot Noir vineyard there is already unusual. This one is thought to hold the village's oldest Pinot Noir, around 45 years, and it is a co-planted parcel of 90 per cent Pinot Noir and 10 per cent Pinot Gris, with both varieties going into the wine. The grapes macerate for two or three days before the juice is drawn off, which is where the colour, body and much of the flavour come from. Saignée is now rare in Champagne because it demands very ripe fruit and leaves no room for correction. Fermentation is natural, part of the cuvée raised in a Nomblot concrete egg and part in stainless steel. This bottling was disgorged with 2 g/L dosage.

Drinking well now and rewarding a year or two more in the cellar. Serve at about 8°C with smoked or grilled salmon, duck rillettes or roast quail.

*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.