Mouzon Leroux L'Incandescent Rose de Saignee Brut Nature (Base 2019)

100% Pinot Noir from 2019 from vineyards that Sébastien's grandfather planted closer to the village of Villers-Marmery, where the chalk is much more exposed than in Verzy. Sébastien's grandfather was tired of losing Chardonnay grapes to frost in their parcel in the first valley of the Montagne de Reims in Villers, so he planted Pinot Noir, which is less susceptible to frost. The fruit from this plot (with only 60cm of top soil before the chalk, vs. the average 2 meters of top-soil in Verzy) is used specifically for this Rosé bottling, which clearly shows the mineral intensity of the exposed chalk. Sébastien let this Rosé de Saignee macerate for 19 hours, after which it rested in the cellars on the lees until disgorgement in March 2023. He explained tha he tastes the wine every 2 hours during maceration, waiting for the ideal aromas. He is not interested in color, only aroma and taste. This wine is incredibly generous for 0 dosage, with plenty of fruit supported by electric acidity. An incredible rosé Champagne that is incredibly difficult to keep in the glass. -CF