Célébris Rosé 2008

Gosset's Célébris Rosé 2008 is a rarity: only for the fourth time in 25 years has the house made this rosé, in a run of 15,000 bottles. The cuvée is 72% Chardonnay and 28% Pinot Noir, 8% of it as red wine. Gosset avoids malolactic fermentation and so preserves freshness. The copper-coloured robe betrays the long ageing. On the nose there are strawberry, menthol and summer fruits.

On the palate, black cherry meets blood orange, the tension stays juicy, and the finish feels saline and mineral. As an extra brut it is clearly and tautly built, with noticeable vinosity. Serve it at 9 to 11 °C in a white wine glass with a wide bowl. It works as an aperitif, with poultry or lobster, and with dessert, for instance a mille-feuille with raspberries. The bottle comes in a gift box.