André Clouet’s family history is almost as storied and labyrinthine as his Bouzy chalk cellars, which actually still include partial false walls originally constructed to hide their precious bottles from the Nazis during World War II. When sparkler-devotee-extraordinaire Winston Churchill quipped, “Gentlemen, it’s not just France we are fighting for, it’s Champagne,” he wasn’t kidding. But this is only the Clouet family’s recent history. The Clouets were once the official printers to Louis XV’s Royal Court at Versailles, hence the beauty of the bottle’s label. André still calls his family’s 17th century estate home. True to family legacy, he respectfully draws from tradition and time-honored techniques of the past while embracing modern technology, which definitely advances the quality of his remarkable wines. To say that you would be hard-pressed to find a Grand Cru Rosé Champagne of this quality for anywhere near $70 would be a gross understatement – and you definitely will not find one that tastes like this.
Derived from mid-slope vines within the prestigious Grand Cru village of Bouzy, this rosé is crafted from 100% Pinot Noir with a healthy portion of reserves. This wine fermented—both alcoholic and malolactic—in stainless steel vessels and then aged for several years in bottle. After disgorgement, it was topped off with a low dosage of six grams of sugar (technically qualifying it for the Extra-Brut category) and still Bouzy Pinot Noir (8%) in order to achieve its trademark salmon color. Fun fact: “No.3” was originally created to assist customers in judging the color, with the numbers ranging from 1 (the lightest) to 10.
Why You'll Love It
-With incredible terroir, extended lees aging, and meticulous winemaking, Clouet’s rosé offers an incredibly balanced combination of ripe fruit, texture, depth, and minerality that is nearly unrivaled.
-It boasts a ripe, stunningly supple texture that delivers the utmost pleasure. The lush, medium-bodied palate coats your palate with zesty fruits that have been topped off with a dollop of fresh cream and sprinkles of crushed rock minerality.
-When served at optimal temperature, it erupts with seductive notes of red apple skin, Bing cherries, orange rind, grapefruit zest, wild strawberry, raspberry, white peach, damp roses, finely crushed chalk, and a soft touch of wild herbs.
How To Serve It
-Service temperature is always key, especially in high-quality Champagne, so make sure you’re sniffing and drinking around 50-55 degrees.
-Serve in a wide tulip or all-purpose stem
-Enjoy with smoked salmon blinis for the ultimate Sunday brunch or holiday gathering.
