What kind of wine is Champagne Extra Brut Rosée de Saignée Grand Cru ”Special Club” 2018 - Vazart-Coquart (Case)

The Champagne Extra Brut Rosée de Saignée Grand Cru ”Special Club” 2018 - Vazart-Coquart (Case) is one of the most authentic and refined expressions from the Vazart-Coquart winery, a historic family business located in Chouilly, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. Known for its elegant Chardonnays, the company surprises in this case with a label made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from a rare plot in a territory typically suited to Chardonnay.

This rosé Champagne is produced using the champenoise or classic method: the second fermentation occurs in the bottle, and the wine rests on its lees to develop aromatic complexity and finesse. The mention "Extra Brut" indicates a very low sugar dosage, thus enhancing the purity and personality of the wine.

Vintage Details

The 2018 vintage in Chouilly was characterized by ideal weather: a cold winter, a mild spring, and a warm but balanced summer. The Pinot Noir grapes reached perfect phenolic ripeness, with an excellent balance between sugars and acidity. This resulted in an intensely aromatic Rosé de Saignée, yet always fresh and harmonious on the palate.

Winemaking and Aging

Champagne Extra Brut Rosée de Saignée Grand Cru ”Special Club” 2018 - Vazart-Coquart is created through a brief maceration of Pinot Noir skins with the must, a technique that imparts its characteristic natural rosé color. After alcoholic fermentation at a controlled temperature, the wine is bottled for the prise de mousse, which is the second fermentation in the bottle that creates the bubbles. This is followed by a long aging on the lees for at least 36 months, during which the wine gains complexity and a creamy, fine mousse. The minimal final dosage results in an "Extra Brut" version, dry and vibrant.

Tasting Notes

Color

In the glass, it presents a brilliant cherry-pink with coppery reflections. The bead is fine and constant, a sign of precise re-fermentation and long aging.

Nose

The bouquet is irresistibly intense and refined: notes of fresh red berries like wild strawberry and raspberry emerge, followed by floral nuances and delicate hints of shortbread, typical of aging on lees.

Palate

On the palate, it is dry, elegant, and dynamic. The citrusy freshness of the sip is balanced by a significant structure, with a long and mineral finish. The fine and persistent bubbles accompany the drink with great harmony, imparting a sensation of lightness and precision.

Food Pairings for Champagne Extra Brut Rosée de Saignée Grand Cru ”Special Club” 2018 - Vazart-Coquart (Case)

Perfect for those seeking a gastronomic Champagne, this Rosé de Saignée is ideal as an aperitif but truly shines at the table. It pairs well with:

• appetizers featuring salmon or raw tuna;
• shellfish and seafood dishes;
• delicate white meats, such as duck breast with pomegranate;
• semi-aged or bloomy-rind cheeses.

Its lively freshness and layered aromas make it an ideal companion for a refined dinner or as a bottle to uncork on special occasions.

Storage and Aging: How to Store Champagne Extra Brut Rosée de Saignée Grand Cru ”Special Club” 2018 - Vazart-Coquart (Case)

To preserve the quality of Champagne, it is important to follow a few simple storage rules:

• Temperature: ideally around 10-12°C (50-54°F), constant over time.
• Light: avoid direct light exposure, especially sunlight, which can alter the aromas.
• Position: store bottles horizontally, in a cool, dry environment with 60-70% humidity, so that the cork remains elastic.

This cuvée can be enjoyed immediately to appreciate its freshness and vibrancy, but it can also be aged for several years, evolving towards notes of greater complexity and softness.