LOUIS ROEDERER CHAMPAGNE BRUT ROSÉ (Vintage)
Short History
The creation of Louis Roederer's Vintage Rosé is a testament to the House's deep connection to its vineyards and a quest for perfection. Unlike many Champagne Houses that blend grapes from various sources, Louis Roederer has always prided itself on controlling its own vineyards. The story of their Brut Rosé begins in the Cumières vineyards, located on a steep, south-facing slope with a unique clay and limestone soil. This special terroir and its exposure to reflected light from the Marne river allow the Pinot Noir grapes to achieve a rare, juicy ripeness, which is essential for a great rosé. The wine is made using the delicate saignée method, a painstaking process where the juice is left in brief contact with the grape skins to extract its color and flavor. This technique, combined with the blend of their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, results in a vintage rosé of exceptional depth, elegance, and balance that beautifully expresses the character of a single, extraordinary year.
Key Features
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Single-Vintage Expression: Only produced in the most exceptional years, capturing the unique climate and character of a specific harvest.
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Estate-Grown Grapes: Sourced exclusively from Louis Roederer's own historic vineyards, primarily from the south-facing slopes of Cumières.
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The Saignée Method: A rare and meticulous winemaking process where the juice gains its color and complexity from a short maceration with the Pinot Noir skins.
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Pinot Noir-Dominant Blend: A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with the Pinot Noir providing structure, body, and red fruit character.
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Biodynamic Farming: A significant portion of the vineyards are farmed using biodynamic principles, showcasing the House's commitment to sustainable and high-quality viticulture.
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Extended Aging: The wine is aged for several years in the cellar, allowing it to develop a remarkable depth, texture, and complexity.
Tasting Notes
The Louis Roederer Brut Rosé Vintage is a vibrant and captivating Champagne. On the nose, it offers an explosion of red berry aromas, including wild strawberry, raspberry, and redcurrant, complemented by hints of citrus like blood orange and delicate floral notes. As the wine breathes, subtle undertones of toasted brioche, cocoa, and a touch of saline minerality emerge. The palate is elegant and powerful, with a creamy, silky texture that beautifully balances the wine's inherent freshness and acidity. Juicy red fruit flavors lead the way, evolving into more complex notes of white peach and nectarine. The finish is long, pure, and refined, leaving a lingering impression of chalky freshness and delicate spice.
Awards and Accolades
The Louis Roederer Brut Rosé Vintage is a consistent performer, receiving high praise from critics and wine competitions around the globe.
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Vintage 2012: Awarded a Gold Medal at the Drinks Business Global Rosé Masters and highly rated by critics.
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Vintage 2015: Received a high score from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, praising its "explosive, ripe fruit and dense, concentrated textures."
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Vintage 2017: Highly rated by numerous publications, with scores often in the mid-90s, showcasing its delicate elegance and fresh character.
This wine is a perennial favorite, and its awards across multiple vintages speak to its consistent quality and timeless style.
Overall Expression of the Product
Louis Roederer Brut Rosé Vintage is a masterful and sophisticated Champagne that perfectly marries power and grace. It is a true expression of its unique terroir, a result of meticulous viticulture and the art of the saignée method. This is a wine that exudes elegance and a powerful, structured character, making it a perfect choice for celebratory occasions or as a magnificent companion to fine cuisine. Its combination of vibrant fruit, refined texture, and profound aging potential makes it a must-have for any collector and a sublime experience for the discerning palate.