Veuve Clicquot : Brut Rosé Cooler

A smoky version, exhibiting light berry and watermelon notes. Quite firm, as much from the chalky sensation as from the lively acidity. Despite its lightness, this shows intensity and length. Drink now through 2011.

The nose features truffle, gunpowder, dried berries and grapefruit bitters, while the palate reveals redcurrants, wild berries, orange peel and red flowers. Good texture, vibrant acidity, a velvety mousse and a savoury finish.

Pale-medium orange. Somewhat exotic aromas of orange, raspberry, strawberry, baking spices and earth. Intense, fruit-driven flavors dominated by raspberry. Not particularly sweet but in a fruit bomb style. Reminded me of a kir royale. Strong raspberry character on the lingering finish.

The NV Champagne Brut Rosé is made with 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, and the remainder Meunier, featuring 12% red wine in the blend, which undergoes maceration. It’s made with 8 grams per liter dosage and aged on the lees for 3 years sur latte before release. A rich pink hue, it’s elegant and fruity, and I rather appreciate the restraint they have with the bottle; it’s not overly jammy, it has a refreshing, clean feel on the palate, with a creamy mousse, notes of preserved strawberries, grenadine, some zesty orange peel, and a clean, chalky texture. It’s delightful now as an aperitif. On paper, I was honestly expecting this to appear sweeter than it is, but it retains a nice level of crispiness. Drink over the coming 5-7 years. This release is based on the 2020 vintage, and it remains the same blend. They add 12% red wine, but they put up to 45% reserve wine into the blend. They have the largest collection of reserve wines in Champagne, comprising 400 reserve wines that are kept in fine lees in stainless steel tanks. The oldest wine they have is a small amount from 1988.

The fruitiness is intense, with vinous character and great depth. A rosé with plenty of character.

The NV Brut Rose is a straightforward, accessible wine to enjoy over the next year or two. With a little additional refinement in the tannins, this bottling might merit a slightly higher score. This is Lot 14009917, disgorged between December, 2006 and January, 2007. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2010. Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin is one of Champagne’s best known brands thanks to the success of its “yellow label” non-vintage wine and the tete de cuvee La Grande Dame. Importer: Moet Hennessy USA, New York, NY; tel. (212) 251-8200