Larmandier-Bernier Champagne - Rose De Saignee Extra Brut NV (1.5L)
Price: $209.99
| Producer | Larmandier-Bernier Champagne |
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| Country | France |
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| Region | Champagne |
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| Varietal | Champagne |
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| Sku | 30273 |
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This cuvée is produced from the Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grapes picked in Vertus, where the two varieties grow together in the same plot of old vines. It’s made by macerating the berries for a few days, a technique not commonly used in Champagne.
This technique is rarely used in Champagne: the Pinot grapes are selected on a sorting table, partially destemmed and then macerated for 2 to 3 days. After that, come the natural alcoholic fermentation (indigenous yeasts) in a tank or in concrete eggs, the malolactic fermentation and then the maturation on the lees for nearly a year. The tirage is carried out at the end of July.
The wine is aged for at least another 2 years in the cellars, and the bottles are disgorged 6 months before being marketed with a discreet dosage of 2 g/l.
Tim Atkin, MW: 94 Points
15% Pinot Gris, 85% Pinot Noir from Vertus in 2019, from a single co-planted plot. This is a standout saignée, bursting with dried strawberry, cherry and bitter herbs, fragrant with baking spices and peppery, sweet savoury touches. Super invigorating, juicy and joyous, this is irresistible.
James Suckling: 93 Points
A blend of pinot noir with 10-15% pinot gris, co-planted ten years ago, in amongst 45-year-old vines. The nose is very floral with papaya and pink grapefruit, some praline and fresh, rose-like florals. The palate has the same hit of fragrant roses with plenty of peaches and a silky, smoothly textural palate. The entire parcel is macerated for between three and four days, for texture more than color. Very unique. Drink now.
Vinous: 92 Points
The NV (2020) Extra Brut Rosé de Saignée is a pretty wine. Cinnamon, spice, crushed rose petals and dried herbs all grace this nuanced, understated Champagne. In this release, the Rosé is distinctly aromatic and savory (although it was done with fully destemmed fruit). The blend also incorporates 10% Pinot Gris and, of course, the hand of the current generation, brothers Arthur and Georges Larmandier. The 2020 is decidedly on the lighter side for this bottling. Dosage is 2 grams per liter. Disgorged: February, 2023. Drink: 2023-2030.
