Louis Roederer Rosé Vintage 2015

Producer Information

Champagne Louis Roederer was established in 1776 and is now run by the 7th generation of the family, Frédéric Rouzaud. With over 240 hectares of vineyards located exclusively in Grands and Premiers Crus villages, Champagne Louis Roederer is self-sufficient for approximately 70% of their non-vintage production and 100% of their vintage champagnes.

Pioneers in sustainable farming, Louis Roederer use organic practices in all their vineyards, and are certified organic in 115 ha, with the remainder of the estate in conversion.  The whole estate uses biodynamic practices and is inspired by the concepts of permaculture.  Working hand in hand with nature, respecting terroir and the pursuit of taste underpins everything they do.

Vineyards

A great Rosé champagne must be made from very ripe grapes – sometimes difficult to obtain in the Champagne climate. As a result, Louis Roederer has chosen to invest in one of the earliest Champagne crus villages, Cumières, for which the steeply-sloping, shallow clay and limestone soils face south and benefit from additional light reflected from the river Marne, enabling great phenolic maturity to be achieved. In these select terroirs, Louis Roederer applies the precision wine-making methods required to craft a saignée rosé. The Chardonnay is from the north facing slopes in Chouilly, bringing bright and fresh notes.

Winemaking

Over the years Louis Roederer has developed a unique technique for the production of its rosé champagnes.  This process, referred to by Roederer as the ‘infusion’ technique, allows us to bring out the juicy, ripe character of the Pinot Noirs whilst preserving their exceptional freshness.  A small amount of Chardonnay juice is added to the Pinot Noir maceration which then ferment together and integrate harmoniously.

The cuveé rosé 2015 was vinified 11% in old oak casks, 30% underwent malolactic fermentation

Vintage Information

An extraordinary vintage which is also the year in which the Champagne region was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! 2015 followed the continental trend of that decade: a mild, wet winter and a hot, dry summer.  The summer, hot and sunny, brought record-breaking temperatures and water stress.  The second half of August brought some very welcome rain, giving the vines some much needed relief. Thanks to this fresh finish, the vines produced juicy, ripe and concentrated grapes.  Our ambition for this vintage? To capture the concentration which is the hallmark of this spectacular vintage!

Tasting Note

Salmon hue with bright red tints.

Fine and energetic bubbles

A ripe, complex and youthful bouquet of slightly tangy red fruit (redcurrants, blackcurrants), ripe citrus (blood orange) and roasted cocoa beans.  After some time in the glass, the wine reveals sappier, floral and sweet notes with a saline, almost briny core.

The first impression of the wine is of a generosity, softness and concentration.  One has the sensation of biting into juicy, ripe fruit and blood orange, it is a fabulous aromatic explosion with luscious and slightly tangy overtones.  The concentrated and dense body takes over and reinforces the impression of substance, of concentrated liqueur on the mid-palate.  The finish stretches out, perfectly-honed, gradually revealing umami notes thanks to the precise and crisp mineral freshness.

Food Pairing

It is a fantastic pairing with fish such as salmon and tuna; meat including lamb, veal, guinea fowl, wood pigeon and pheasant; and also soft cheeses such as Chaource and Brillat-Savarin. It can also be served with red fruit based deserts that are less sweet, such as a red fruit zabaglione or a red fruit gratin.

Serving Suggestion

Serve at 12°C

AOC Champagne
62% Pinot Noir
38% Chardonnay

Cork
12%
8g/l
Yes
No

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