What wine is Champagne Brut Rosé Premier Cru AOC 'Saignée des Terres Amourses' 2014 - Bertrand-Delespierre?
The Champagne Brut Rosé Premier Cru AOC “Saignée des Terres Amourses” 2014 - Bertrand-Delespierre is born in the heart of the Montagne de Reims, one of Champagne's most prestigious areas. The Bertrand-Delespierre winery, a family-run business renowned for its artisanal care, produces this Rosé exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from their own Premier Cru vineyards. The term "Saignée," meaning "bleeding," describes a traditional method for rosé champagne: after a brief maceration of the skins, a more intense color and greater structure are achieved. The second fermentation in the bottle, typical of the méthode champenoise (or traditional method), is followed by a long period of aging on the lees to develop complexity and finesse.Vintage Details
The 2014 vintage in Champagne was balanced, with a mild spring and an irregular summer, but a dry and sunny end to the season. The harvest yielded healthy and ripe grapes, capable of combining freshness and aromatic depth. The wines of this year are distinguished by their harmony and a perfect balance between acidity and roundness.Winemaking and Aging
The Champagne Brut Rosé Premier Cru AOC “Saignée des Terres Amourses” 2014 is made using the traditional method, with secondary fermentation in the bottle and subsequent aging on the lees for over 60 months. This long contact with the lees gives the Champagne a creamy texture and remarkable aromatic complexity. The Brut dosage, which is a limited addition of sugar after disgorgement, keeps the wine balanced and enhances its freshness without masking its varietal personality.Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, it presents a luminous salmon pink with coppery hues, enlivened by a fine and persistent perlage, clear sign of careful re-fermentation.Nose
The bouquet is intense and refined, dominated by aromas of small red berries like wild strawberry and raspberry, accompanied by subtle floral notes and hints of bread crust and sweet spices, typical of aging on the lees.Palate
On the palate, it is balanced and enveloping, with a good structure supported by lively freshness. The bubbles are fine and create a pleasant creamy sensation. The finish is long, elegant, and mineral, with a persistence that recalls red fruits and toasted notes.Food Pairings with Champagne Brut Rosé Premier Cru AOC 'Saignée des Terres Amourses' 2014 - Bertrand-Delespierre
Thanks to its structure and good acidity, this Rosé Champagne pairs well with numerous dishes. It is perfect for those seeking a versatile yet characterful wine. Ideal with:- salmon or tuna appetizers;
- fish or meat carpaccio and tartare;
- oriental cuisine dishes, such as sushi and sashimi;
- fresh and medium-aged cheeses;
- white meats or duck fillets with red fruits.
Storage and Aging: How to store Champagne Brut Rosé Premier Cru AOC 'Saignée des Terres Amourses' 2014 - Bertrand-Delespierre
To maintain its freshness and complexity, it is important to store this Champagne under the right conditions:- Temperature: between 10°C and 12°C constant, avoiding sudden temperature changes.
- Light: store in a dark place, away from direct light, which can alter its color and aromas.
- Bottle position: preferably horizontal, so that the cork remains moist and maintains an airtight seal.
Bertrand-Delespierre
The history of the Bertrand-Delespierre winery The Bertrand-Delespierre winery represents a perfect marriage of tradition and innovation, located in the heart of the French wine region. With an heritage consolidated over generations, this winery has always pursued the unceasing desire to improve,...
How to best open and serve Champagne Brut Rosé Premier Cru AOC 'Saignée des Terres Amourses' 2014 - Bertrand-Delespierre
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening the Champagne Brut Rosé Premier Cru AOC 'Saignée des Terres Amourses' 2014 - Bertrand-Delespierre, position the bottle upright for at least 24 hours. This allows any sediment, which is natural in vintage wines, to settle at the bottom, ensuring a clear and precise pour. Avoid shaking the bottle and handle it with care.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
The optimal temperature to best enjoy this vintage Champagne is between 10°C and 12°C. Too cold, and the complex aromas of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay will be diminished; too warm, and the perlage will be less fine. Chill it gradually in an ice bucket with ice and water, avoiding the freezer.
3. Opening the Bottle
To properly open the bottle of Champagne Brut Rosé Premier Cru AOC 'Saignée des Terres Amourses' 2014 - Bertrand-Delespierre:
- Gently remove the foil and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork for safety.
- Tilt the bottle to 45° and rotate the base, not the cork, to control the internal pressure.
- Allow a soft sigh of gas to escape, a sign of proper effervescence, avoiding the classic "pop."
4. Inspection and First Taste
After opening, pour a small amount of Champagne into a tasting glass. Observe the color and check the perlage, which should be fine and persistent. Smell the bouquet: you should perceive hints of ripe red fruits, citrus peel, and toasted notes. If the aroma is intact and pleasant, proceed with tasting.
5. Decanting and Aeration
While not common for Champagne, decanting can be useful with a vintage like 'Saignée des Terres Amourses' 2014. It helps to release evolved aromas and soften any reductive notes. Perform it gently:
- Use a large, clean decanter.
- Pour slowly, avoiding excessively dampening the perlage.
- Allow to aerate for 10-15 minutes before serving.
6. Serving
Serve the Champagne Brut Rosé Premier Cru AOC 'Saignée des Terres Amourses' 2014 - Bertrand-Delespierre in large white wine or tasting glasses to appreciate its aromatic complexity. Pour slowly, filling the glass one-third full, and observe the elegance of the bubbles and the finesse of the aromas.
7. Storage After Opening
If not entirely consumed, store the bottle in the refrigerator with an airtight stopper for sparkling wines. The Champagne Brut Rosé Premier Cru AOC 'Saignée des Terres Amourses' 2014 - Bertrand-Delespierre will maintain its freshness for approximately 24 hours. Avoid leaving it at room temperature, as the effervescence and aromas would quickly dissipate.