Champagne Larmandier-Bernier 1er Cru Rosé de Saignée NV Base 21. Disg. Feb 24

Champagne Larmandier-Bernier 1er Cru Rosé de Saignée is made by bleeding off juice from macerating black grapes rather than by blending in red wine, which is now rare in the region.

Vertus sits at the southern end of the Côte des Blancs and is overwhelmingly planted to Chardonnay, which makes the source of this wine unusual twice over. It comes chiefly from what are believed to be the oldest Pinot Noir vines in the village, past fifty years of age, in one of its very last vineyards planted wholly to Pinot. The plot is in fact co-planted, about 90 per cent Pinot Noir with 10 per cent Pinot Gris, and both varieties go into the wine. The fruit macerates for two or three days before the juice is drawn off, which gives the colour and much of the body and flavour, and demands genuinely ripe grapes to work. Fermentation is spontaneous, and since the 2021 base the wine has spent at least two years in large used oak casks.

Drinking well now and good for five to eight years. Serve at 8°C with smoked or grilled salmon, charcuterie or duck breast.

*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.