The Empreinte No. 3 cuvée from Maison Thevenet-Delouvin is a true rarity, a confidential Rosé de Saignée Champagne produced in a limited edition of only 500 bottles.
Far from classic blended rosés, this macerated wine offers a delicate hue and an airy vinosity, oscillating between the richness of red fruit and the freshness of citrus. It is the perfect choice for lovers of characterful champagnes looking for a unique taste experience.
The production of Rosé de Saignée Empreinte No. 3
The production of this Extra-Brut Rosé de Saignée is based on a natural and demanding method, favoring the infusion of fruit rather than the addition of red wine. Isabelle and Xavier Thevenet practice a "saignée" after a short maceration of the previously destemmed berries, allowing the color and aromas to be extracted without tannic heaviness.
The care taken in the vineyard and the cellar is certified High Environmental Value (HVE) and Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne:
- Parcel selection: The grapes come exclusively from a historic Meunier vineyard, nearly 60 years old, guaranteeing exceptional aromatic concentration thanks to moderate yields.
- Precise vinification: Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel vats to preserve the fruit's brightness. Malolactic fermentation is carried out to bring suppleness, followed by more than 36 months of maturation in the bottle.
The unique terroir of "Les Rieux"
This cuvée is the pure expression of a single plot: the "Les Rieux" locality, located in Cerseuil, on the left bank of the Marne Valley. This terroir benefits from deep clay-limestone soils that are ideal for Meunier.
The vines, planted over half a century ago, benefit from an exposure that promotes full ripeness. It is this perfect ripeness of the grapes that allows for the production of a successful rosé de saignée, where natural sugar and acidity are balanced without artifice. The clay soil gives the wine its roundness, while the limestone provides the salty tension on the finish that is the hallmark of great gastronomic wines.
The 2019 vintage: A sunny year
Although numbered "No. 3" in the Empreinte collection, this edition is a pure reflection of the 2019 harvest. This year, marked by favorable weather conditions, produced healthy, sun-kissed Meuniers. With a very low dosage of Extra-Brut (5 g/l), the wine retains all the energy of this vintage, delivering a straightforward and unadorned interpretation of the fruit.
Tasting notes for Empreinte No. 3
Color
The wine has a delicate pink hue, far from saturated colors, reflecting gentle extraction. The effervescence is fine, forming a regular and elegant cordon in the glass.
Nose
The bouquet is very refined, both airy and fresh. It opens with subtle citrus notes, bringing an unexpected liveliness for a Meunier, before giving way to hints of red berries.
Palate
The balance on the palate is remarkable. The attack reveals a beautiful noble bitterness reminiscent ofblood orange, quickly softened by delicious notes of fresh cherry. The finish is long and persistent, carried by a beautiful saline tension that makes the wine particularly easy to drink.
Food and wine pairing suggestions
- Gravlax salmon
- Reims ham
- Beef carpaccio
- Duck Parmentier
- Roasted free-range poultry
- Grilled red mullet
- Vine peaches
- Strawberry soup
- Lightly sweetened cherry tart
Storage and serving tips
Aging potential
This Rosé de Saignée is a lively cuvée, protected by a special amber-colored bottle that filters UV rays. Although delicious when young for its vibrant fruit, its "old vines" origin and long aging give it interesting aging potential. You can store it for 3 to 6 years in a cool, dark cellar, where it will develop more spicy and jammy notes.
Serving suggestions
To appreciate the full complexity of this gourmet Champagne, serve it at a temperature of 10°C. A temperature that is too low would mask the finesse of its citrus and cherry aromas. A large white wine glass is recommended to allow the wine to express itself fully.
Anecdote about this cuvée
The name "Empreinte" symbolizes the unique mark left by each plot and each vintage. For this third edition, the Thevenet-Delouvin family chose to highlight the "Les Rieux" plot, not through a complex blend, but through the risky technique of saignée. It is a return to basics, a "simple and natural" method as described by the winemakers, which nevertheless requires perfect control of the maceration timing to obtain just the right shade of pink, without ever going overboard.
