In today’s VintagesShopOnline.com release, we’ve got a special treat for you that’s sure to be grand… “Grand Cru” that is!
LCBO is featuring the Champagne Gatinois Grand Cru Brut Rosé, which has become a bit of a darling for those in the know. It’s a grower Champagne, meaning the winery grows all of the grapes, and does not buy grapes to make their wine. There’s quite a bit of history at this estate, with the winery dating back to 1696, where three centuries have seen the famous Grand Cru vineyards of Aÿ passed through twelve generations of winegrowers. All grapes are hand picked and all bottles are hand disgorged – lots of love here. Less than 600 cases of this wine were made… LCBO received a mere 20 cases!
Hope you will spoil yourself with a bottle or two, it really is a rare treat!
Sincerely,
Le Sommelier
416.603.7026
Champagne Gatinois Grand Cru Rosé Brut NV
Did you know that Rosé Champagne is the only AOC Rosé made in France that is allowed to blend red and white wine to make a rosé?
This wine is a blend of 85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay grapes, where 70% of the blend was from the current vintage (here 2009), and 30% was from the two previous vintages (here 2007 & 2008). Wines are fermented separately, then during assemblage, 8% of a 2004 vintage dry red wine is added (Pinot Noir aged two years in oak barrels). The wine is then aged for 24 months on its fine lees in bottle. After disgorging, a liqueur d’expedition (aged white wine mixed with sugar) is added to bring the wine to Brut 6-9g/l residual sugar).
Review:
“A vinous rose for food, with a firm structure, lively bead and iodine and smoky mineral notes accenting flavors of kirsch, dried cranberry, strawberry preserves, spice and grilled plum. Disgorged February 2012. Drink now through 2020. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 580 cases made.” – Alison Napjus, The Wine Spectator, November 15, 2002
Score: 92
Varietals: 85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay
Region: Champagne, France
Price: $63.00 (per bottle)
LCBO #311845
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