Delicious 92 Pt (WS) Grower Champagne

'MOUTHWATERING' AND 'EXPRESSIVE' ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE

"Our ‘Grower Champagne of the Month’ is the 92 point NV A. Margaine Brut Rosé Premier Cru Champagne. As the term 'Grower Champagne' implies, this is from a tiny-production house, which in this case is run by the fourth generation of the family Margaine. The winery was established in the 1920s, and in the 1970s joined the Special Club, or 'Club de Trésors,' which is the highest tier of classification that grower Champagnes can achieve.

Margaine is based in the village of Villers-Marmery, known as an 'island of Chardonnay' in the Montagne de Reims region, where Pinot Noir is usually grown. The clone of Chardonnay used by Margaine is specific to this area and cannot be found in other parts of Champagne. The NV Brut Rosé is predominantly Chardonnay, with 33% Pinot Noir (10% of which is still Pinot Noir), and was disgorged in March 2022. Alison Napjus of Wine Spectator praises the wine’s ‘chiseled acidity’ for its ‘mouthwatering impression on that palate,’ while Antonio Galloni of Vinous describes it as ‘delicious… nicely layered’ with ‘notable vibrancy’ and ‘bright acids [that] perk up the finish.’ Like any good marriage, both grapes contribute to the union: the Chardonnay brings freshness and the Pinot Noir contributes body with wonderful strawberry and floral notes, for a perfect union!" – Eduardo Bolaños, The Wine House

92 Points: "Chiseled acidity creates a mouthwatering impression on the palate of this chalky rosé, carrying an expressive mix of dried raspberry, blood orange granita, fresh lemon thyme and minerally spice. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Disgorged March 2022. Drink now. 150 cases imported." – Alison Napjus, Wine Spectator (November 2022)

90 Points: "The NV Brut Le Rosé is delicious. Creamy and nicely layered, the Rosé offers notable depth while remaining very much in the Margaine style. Crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, mint, white pepper and chalk lend notable vibrancy throughout, while bright acids perk up the finish. The blend is 67% Chardonnay and 33% Pinot Noir (including 10% still wine). Dosage is 9 grams per liter. Disgorged: March, 2022. Drinking Window: 2022-2027" – Antonio Galloni, Vinous (May 2022)

FROM THE WINERY

Fruits of the union of heaven and earth, we cultivate 2 of the 3 specific grape varieties in Champagne. The Chardonnay, for its freshness and its bouquet of floral notes and the Pinot Noir which brings body and power. The terroir of Villers-Marmery is expressed through the characters of these two grape varieties but especially through the Chardonnay.

Cépage: 67% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir (10% vin rouge)
Village/Vineyard: Villers-Marmery 1er Cru; Chardonnay from Alouettes, Champs d’enfer, Grands Arbres, Pinot Noir from Levoies, Cugnets
Soil Type: Chalk and clay
Malo: 30% Malo
Fermentation & Élevage: Stainless steel
Sur Latte: 30 Months

Tasting: The nose reveals small notes of red fruits, wild strawberries and gooseberries. The palate is creamy and the bubbles are fine. The finish is fresh with a refreshing hint.

Food and wine pairings: Ideal as an aperitif after a sunny day or to accompany a delicious dessert with red fruits such as a balsamic strawberry macaroon or a fruit salad.