VINIFICATION
This ‘Rosé de Saignée’ champagne is made using a precise, exacting method, whereby grapes are macerated for only 72 hours imparting the Champagne with distinctive character. Since its foundation in the mid-eighteenth century, the 5tholdest Champagne House has upheld the same ethos of creating exceptional, bespoke, age-worthy champagnes. A true masterpiece, Sourire de Reims rosé is only made in limited quantity. Sourire de Reims rosé is a true gem; its structure has been meticulously shaped with the same painstaking care and attention as the Smiling Angel of Reims, the famous stone sculpture. It is made exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes grown on the historic Riceys slopes by the same family of growers for more than three decades. For a vintage hailed as one of Champagnes greatest triumphs, it certainly wasn’t straightforward. This was the coldest year since the beginning of the century, and not without challenging weather conditions. At the start of the year, just about every weather incident struck the vineyards, including heavy rain in January and February, a cool spell and snow in March and April, and also spring frosts. Thankfully, with an extremely mild May, the vines quickly made up any lost time. It was a summer full of contrast, seeing stormy conditions in July and low sunshine hours in August. The Riceys vineyards were fortunate to escape the precarious weather. For the growers, it was a fine, pleasant and even vintage. This included the harvest too, which took place in ideal conditions, with sunny, dry and windy days and cool nights, eradicating any threat of disease. The Pinot Noir was harvested perfectly ripe and in pristine condition. The grapes reveal a great concentration of anthocyanins. The quality of the grapes was exceptional, with perfectly balanced sugar and acid in the must.
FOOD AND WINE PAIRINGS
With its stunning appearance and harmonious bouquet, Sourire de Reims Rosé is a tempting proposition as an aperitif, or for an intimate soiree, while its sensual bouquet makes it a great match to a wide choice of subtle and varied foods.
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