Philipponnat Champagne Royale Reserve Rose

Champagne, France For almost five hundred years, the Philipponnat family has left its mark on the soil of the Champagne region. Generations of men and women have cultivated the land at Ay, the family's home since the time of Apvril le Philipponnat who owned vines at Le Léon, between Ay and Dizy, in 1522. In the 16th century the family’s ancestors were winegrowers and merchants, suppliers to the court of Louis XIV, magistrates and Royal Mayors of Ay - a town which was directly dependent on the Crown since the era of the Counts of Champagne. Philipponnat Champagne Royale Réserve Rosé Brut comes from first press juice of mainly Grand and Premier Cru grapes from the heart of the Champagne wine-growing area. Reserve wines (25 to 30% of the blend) are aged in wooden barrels using the solera system. Vinified using traditional methods to avoid premature oxidation. Partial malolactic fermentation and some of the wines aged in casks to allow the aromas to develop complexity. Still red wine made from pinot noir from Mareuil-sur-Ay and Riceys is obtained by maceration and 7 to 8% is added to obtain a delicately colored rosé with a very definite fruity taste. Grape varieties: 75% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, and 5% Pinot Meunier. Philipponnat Champagne Royale Réserve Rosé Brut is salmon pink in color with coppery glints. Notes of cherry, wild strawberry, citrus, and grapefruit peel. Full and ample on the palate, with good tension that brings out the fruit. Pair with smoked fish and ham, bacon, veal, and lamb.