Alfred Gratien Champagne Rose 750ml

Expert Review

The Tasting Panel 94 Points |Sunset-pink in the glass, this vivacious blend of 45% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir, and 35% Pinot Meunier kicks off with scents of brioche, red currant, and Rome apple plus flashes of honey and white flowers. Cascading from a font of ripe acidity are fleshy flavors of nec- tarine and red plum as well as mandarin orange; an underlying stoniness reveals itself before a long finish of almond and orange rind.

James Suckling 93 Points |This is a fruitier ros. Dry and layered with nice phenols, yet its lively. Full-bodied, creamy and relatively dry at the end. Not heavy, but agile. 46% chardonnay 20% pinot noir and 34% pinot meunier. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Description

The robe is reminiscent of rose petals. The healthy effervescence builds to an attractive mousse. The initial aroma is fruity (strawberries and redcurrants) and floral (peonies). Wheat, biscuit and crme fraiche notes are detectable, as are hints of more roasted flavors. The initial taste is clean, and then opens up to a pleasant structured quality. There is real harmony to this wine, bolstered by fine acidity, light tannin notes and discrete sweetness. Because it sparkles enthusiastically, the texture goes from ‘gentle’ to ‘firm’ and back again. It is long and the finish is slightly smoky with mineral notes.