Rosé

Armand de Brignac's Rosé is made from 50 per cent Pinot Noir, 40 per cent Meunier and 10 per cent Chardonnay, with the addition of red wine from old vines. It is produced only in small quantities. The nose is fruity, with fine smoky and grilled notes. On the palate it has character, showing juicy strawberry and blackcurrant. The finish is long, silky and fresh. The bottle of polished pewter carries a hand-applied ace of spades.

Serve it at 8 to 10 degrees in a wide white wine glass or a Burgundy glass. It suits veal with truffle, duck confit and wild salmon. It is a pleasure now, and after 10 to 15 years in the cellar it gains in fullness. The bottle is delivered in a lacquered wooden box with a pewter plaque.