Description & elaboration
The Nocturne Rosé cuvée by Taittinger is a blended champagne combining musts from Grands Crus and Premiers Crus. It is a champagne with notes of fresh strawberry, raspberry and brioche, with a pronounced Sec aromatic profile. On the palate, its fine bubbles make for a tasting experience designed for late-night occasions.
The Terroir
The vineyard used for this cuvée spans around forty Champagne villages. The Pinot Noirs come from the Montagne de Reims and are rooted in the belemnite chalk soils of Verzenay and Bouzy — a geology that drives the roots deep, generating a characteristic tension. The southern part of the appellation rests on clay-limestone substrates. The plots at Les Riceys and Loches-sur-Ource benefit from direct sun exposure, which increases alcoholic potential. Hautvillers contributes its own nuances of small red fruits.
The vinification
Cellar master Alexandre Ponnavoy oversees vinification in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation is carried out systematically, softening the wine's acidic structure. The blend brings together 40% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay and 25% Meunier. The team incorporates 11 to 14% of Pinot Noirs vinified as still red wine — a process that provides the colour and structure of this blended rosé. The dosage is 17.5 g/L.
A non-vintage champagne
This cuvée incorporates around 30% reserve wines, a proportion that smooths out year-to-year variations. The Chardonnay brings the chalky straightforwardness essential to balance. The Pinot Noir provides the vinous backbone. The Meunier completes the architecture with notes of white-fleshed fruits. Their interaction with the still red wines encourages a balance oriented towards ageing.
Tasting
Appearance
The Nocturne Rosé cuvée from Taittinger displays an intense and radiant colour, with a vivid pink hue brought to life by a fine effervescence and persistent bead.
Nose
On the nose, a generous profile unfolds with expressive pastry notes and morello cherry.
Palate
On the palate, this champagne reveals a broad and silky texture. The warm attack gives way to melted tannins and a finish evoking raspberry coulis.
Food pairing suggestions
- Dill-marinated salmon
- Smoked duck breast toasts
- Gougères with aged Comté
- Spiced roasted salmon
- Strawberry tartlets
- Duck breast with cranberries
- Milk chocolate praline
- Raspberry jam
- Pink biscuits from Reims
The Plus de Bulles expert's opinion
Why I love it?
What strikes me is the balance between a broad, silky texture and a lovely freshness. I loved the red fruit notes and pastry nuances that deliver a full, generous palate.
My advice
Serve at 9–11 °C in a wine glass to accompany a chocolate dessert or round off an indulgent evening.
Tips
How to store this champagne?
Plus de Bulles ships this bottle (75cl) in reinforced packaging designed for the safe transport of champagne. Once received, store it horizontally, away from light. Keep the bottle in its case to protect it from exposure to light. Ideally in a cellar; alternatively, in a cool, not too dry place at a stable temperature.
Ageing potential
The Nocturne Rosé Taittinger continues to evolve positively in the cellar, with an estimated storage potential of between 3 and 5 years.
- Drink now: the wine expresses its vibrancy with notes of crunchy citrus and wild strawberry.
- After 3 years: the aromatic character blossoms and develops a bouquet reminiscent of raspberry jam.
- After 5 years: over the years, a tertiary fullness sets in, marked by stewed fruit aromas.
Serving suggestions
Serve at a temperature of 9-11 °C. Decanting is not recommended, in order to preserve the effervescence. Opt for a tulip glass to concentrate the volatile aromas and reveal the roundness of this cuvée.
A note about this cuvée
The "City Lights" range targets tastings that extend beyond dinner. Vitalie Taittinger positions this reference as an alternative to after-dinner spirits. Its pastry notes complement a fruit tart without overpowering its flavours. This nocturnal positioning is expressed through a sparkling case with violet-tinged reflections.
For traditional celebrations, the house offers the elegance of the Brut Prestige in magnum format.
Lovers of skin-contact maceration will appreciate the aromatic intensity of a saignée rosé champagne.
