Collection: Buy rosé Champagnes

Rosé Champagnes: between elegance and indulgence

The Champagne is much more than just a region. For any wine enthusiast, it is also a promise of refinement and excellence. Here, the clay-limestone soils, the expertise of the winemakers, as well as the Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay grape varieties allow the production of the most beautiful sparkling wines in the world.

Among them, the rosé champagnes stand out for their red fruit notes and their delightful indulgence.Whether you prefer branded champagnes (Charles Heidsieck, Ruinart, Veuve-Cliquot, Billecart-Salmon, Louis Roederer, Moët et Chandon etc.) or grower champagnes (Veuve Fourny, Pertois-Moriset, Baron Albert), the world of rosé champagne is definitely worth exploring !

How are rosé champagnes made?

Three main grape varieties are cultivated in Champagne : the Pinot Noir, the Pinot Meunier and the Chardonnay. While all three varieties can be used in the composition of a rosé champagne, the beautiful ruby hue of our sparkling wine necessarily comes from the two (or one of the two) black grape varieties.

Indeed, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are black grape varieties with white juice while Chardonnay is a white grape variety with white juice. Thus, in order to tint the color of champagnes, it is necessary to extract the coloring pigments (anthocyanins) present in the skin of the Pinots. For this, two methods exist as we will see now.

Blended Rosé Champagne

Blending is the most common approach to create a rosé champagne. This method consists of mixing white wine with a red wine, both of course from the Champagne region. This blending is done before the second fermentation (the wines are not yet sparkling).

The red wine must therefore be made from Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier. Generally, the proportion of red wine varies between 5 to 10% but can sometimes rise to 15%. Note that Champagne is the only region allowed to blend white and red wine to create a rosé wine with AOC designation !

Rosé de macération champagne (or saignée rosé)

A saignée rosé champagne, also known as rosé de macération, is a type of rosé champagne obtained by a specific method that involves allowing the skins of black grapes (Pinot Noir and/or Meunier) to macerate with the juice for a certain period (usually about ten hours). This maceration extracts the color and certain aromas from the grape.

Once the desired color and aromas are obtained, the tank is "bled," meaning the juice is removed for fermentation. After the bleeding, the juice is vinified like a classic champagne, with the second fermentation in the bottle that creates the bubbles.

The color of a maceration champagne is very often more pronounced compared to a blended champagne. The aromas are also more powerful and complex, with notes of red fruits and spices.

Tasting characteristics of rosé champagnes

Rosé champagnes captivate with their complex and refined flavor palette. On the palate, one often discovers an explosion of red fruits such as strawberry, raspberry, or cherry. The lively acidity, typical of Champagne wines, balances the sweetness of the fruits and brings a pleasant freshness.

On the other hand, the finesse of the bubbles creates a delicate texture, while floral and spicy aromas add an extra dimension to the whole.

As they age, rosé champagnes develop notes of brioche, hazelnut, and sometimes more complex nuances, offering an evolving and captivating tasting experience.

Generally speaking, a rosé de saignée will have a more intense color than a blended rosé and its aromatic profile will be more powerful and vinous.

Thus, if we were to simplify, a blended rosé is ideal as an aperitif while a rosé de saignée pairs wonderfully with a meal.

What to eat with a rosé champagne?

Food and wine pairings are essential to fully enjoy a fine bottle of brut rosé champagne. This type of champagne offers a beautiful structure as well as red fruit aromas that pair perfectly with many dishes. Here we offer you some gourmet suggestions to accompany your favorite cuvée.

As an appetizer

A brut rosé champagne is ideal to start a meal on a refined note. Opt, for example, for smoked salmon on blinis, enhanced with a touch of cream... a delight !

Tuna or salmon tartares are also superb pairings.The notes of red fruits and liveliness here contrast with the richness of these fish for an incredible gastronomic experience.

Finally, goat cheese-beetroot petits fours and other vegetarian desserts will also be delicious. You can also try pairing with a beef carpaccio, a delight !

During the meal

The structure and finesse of a rosé champagne allow it to enhance many dishes.

Thus, a vinous rosé champagne from maceration will pair very well with roasted poultry, such as a chicken supreme or a capon. Veal, with a creamy sauce, whose smoothness will contrast with the acidity of the champagne, can also be considered.

Other taste experiences are also interesting.Thus, some powerful rosé champagnes, particularly those made from Pinot Noir, can be enjoyed with a duck breast with red fruits or a beef fillet accompanied by a pepper or berry sauce.

On the vegetarian side, try a seafood risotto with your rosé champagne, you won't be disappointed !

With desserts

Although champagne is not, from an oenological point of view, really suitable for dessert (a high acidity does not highlight sweet dishes), it is nevertheless in our culture, especially during celebrations, to pair champagne with dessert. Our sparkling rosé can then have some cards to play !

Try, for example, pairing it with a strawberry tart or other red fruits.Strawberry macarons or raspberry or redcurrant sorbets can also be interesting to play the fruity card.

What occasion to offer a rosé champagne?

Offering a rosé champagne is choosing elegance to enhance a special occasion. Birthday, celebration, marriage proposal, or simple shared pleasure, a bottle of brut rosé always adds a touch of refinement. Its delicate sparkle, freshness, and gourmet aromas make it an ideal ally for memorable moments !

Thus, for a gift that leaves a lasting impression, a box containing a bottle of brut rosé champagne is a safe bet. Individually in a beautiful case or in a box of 6, rosé champagne is suitable for both a professional gift and a thoughtful gesture for someone close.

Choosing Your Rosé Champagne Wisely

Choosing a rosé champagne can sometimes seem complex. However, by following a few simple criteria, you can find the perfect bottle for all your occasions. Whether it's for a special dinner, a wedding, or simply to celebrate a particular moment, here are the elements to consider for purchasing your rosé champagne wisely.

Champagne house or grower champagne?

When it comes to choosing a champagne, a common question arises: should one favor the large Champagne houses or opt for a grower champagne?

The Champagne houses, such as Perrier-Jouët, Deutz, Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, or even Ruinart, are historical institutions that possess centuries-old expertise and strong renown. They primarily purchase their grapes from a multitude of small producers to ensure consistency in their style. This guarantees them regular quality and a recognizable taste year after year.

Conversely, grower champagnes are produced by récoltants-manipulants, artisans who cultivate their own vines and vinify their production themselves. These champagnes offer a more personal expression of the terroir, often with more authenticity and aromatic diversity.

Therefore, while the houses captivate with their prestige, grower champagnes attract enthusiasts seeking originality and unique cuvées. The choice ultimately depends on your preferences: a refined and mastered signature or a unique and bold discovery?

The dosage

Champagnes (rosé or not) are also distinguished by their sugar dosage, a parameter that directly influences their taste profile.Aini a brut rosé offers a drier and more lively tasting experience, with less than 12 g of sugar per liter (often between 6 and 8g). It highlights the freshness and intensity of the aromas, providing a tense and sparkling sensation on the palate.

Conversely, a demi-sec rosé champagne, richer in sugar (between 32 and 50 g/L), will reveal a more enveloping effervescence and a smooth texture. Its aromas, rounder and more indulgent, appeal to those seeking a softer and more harmonious expression of rosé champagne.

Finally, if you like fresh and lively cuvées, opt for Brut Nature (0-3g/L) or Extra Brut (0-6g/L) !

The price

The price of a rosé champagne varies depending on several criteria: the house, the grape variety, the cuvée, or even its rarity. A bottle from a prestigious house, such as Ruinart or Deutz, will, for example, display a high price, but will guarantee consistent quality and recognized expertise.

Conversely, some more accessible champagnes, particularly those from winegrowers, offer pleasant surprises, providing an excellent quality-price ratio without compromising on the tasting pleasure.The essential is to choose a cuvée that fits your budget while meeting your expectations in terms of elegance and character !

Thus, although representing a more confidential part of champagne production, rosé champagnes offer a refined and original alternative to classic champagnes. Whether it's a structured brut rosé based on Pinot Noir or a more airy blend, each bottle reveals a unique signature. Why not succumb to their charm and enrich your cellar with a touch of finesse and indulgence?