Femme de Champagne Rosé de Saignée 2006

The Femme de Champagne Rosé de Saignée 2006 is made only in exceptional years. It was developed by Carol Duval-Leroy and cellar master Sandrine Logette-Jardin. It is made from Pinot Noir from selected parcels. The colour comes from the saignée method, in which the juice stays briefly in contact with the grape skins and takes up their natural pigments. This gives pale, rose-gold highlights and aromas of wild red fruit.

After ageing in the cellar, the wine shows fine bubbles and surprising freshness. On the palate, ripe, complex notes combine with a delicate sweetness of red berries, carried by a fruity, mineral and slightly smoky structure. That makes it versatile: it suits an aperitif, salmon, duck breast or charcuterie, and a picnic just as well. Pour it at 9 to 11 degrees in a white wine glass with some volume, so that the fruit can unfold.