Chartogne-Taillet Le Rosé

Vintage: NV

Origin: Champagne, France

Grapes: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 12%

Le Rosé is a bit of an exception among Alexandre's wines, requiring more varied work than his single-vineyard Champagnes. It's a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with the red wine component coming from specific plots recognised for quality – either Orizeaux or, since 2017, Les Fontaines in Saint Thierry. The challenge is adding red wine to white without getting excess opulence, fruitiness, or tannicity, so Alexandre makes specific decisions throughout the process. Fermented spontaneously in 228- and 350-litre casks without added yeast or bacteria, the wine isn't filtered as that would mess with the texture and alter that crucial balance of richness and saltiness. What emerges is delicate salmon pink with two distinct taste profiles – first enveloping the mouth with a mellow texture, then leaving a long, delicate, and precise finish. Very elegant with nuanced, layered red cherry and redcurrant fruit underlined by a profound mineral character that's rarely found in rosé Champagnes. Disgorged with around 5-6g/l dosage to help the wine accept ageing and integrate the bubbles.