Veuve Clicquot's Vintage Rosé 2012, presented here in magnum, is a fruity, slightly spicy, gourmet champagne that will pair perfectly with a fine aperitif or fine dishes such as seafood or rosé meats.
2012 was characterized by a rainy spring and a gloomy start to summer. But from mid-August onwards, summer settled in Champagne, bringing very dry weather and warm temperatures right up to the end of the harvest. Yields for the 2012 harvest were relatively modest, helping to produce concentrated wines.
It was in 1810 that Madame Clicquot first created a champagne using only the wines of the year. The approach was totally innovative, inventing in the process the first vintage champagne. A few years later, in 1818, Madame Clicquot created the very first blended rosé champagne. The exceptional quality of her red wines, notably from the Bouzy terroir, gave her the opportunity to achieve this revolution.
Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rosé 2012 is based on a blend of Pinot Noir (51%) from the Grands Crus and Premiers Crus of the Montagne de Reims and the Vallée de la Marne, Chardonnay (34%) and Pinot Meunier (15%). Some of the wines (11%) were aged in foudres to bring out a wider range of aromas. Finally, 13% of red wine made from Pinot Noir de Bouzy was added to obtain the characteristic hue and aromas.
Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rosé 2012 has a pink color with coppery highlights. Its bubbles are fine and numerous.
Its bouquet evokes red fruits (wild strawberry and blueberry). The second nose reveals aromas of brioche and vanilla.
On the palate, this is a powerful champagne, with a clean attack. The wine's texture is delicate, carrying aromas of red fruit. The finish evolves towards a spicier touch and a gourmet sensation reminiscent of pastries and dried fruit. The finish is superb, on a note of red fruit.
Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rosé 2012 will accompany aperitifs and pair superbly with seafood dishes: lobster, abalone and other tasty seafood. On the land́ side, this champagne will escort rosy meats (veal, duck) that will highlight its fruity, generous character.
