What kind of wine is Champagne Rosé de Saignée Extra Brut 'Les Beaudiers' 2020 - Laherte Frères

The Champagne Rosé de Saignée Extra Brut “Les Beaudiers” 2020 - Laherte Frères is an elegant rosé Champagne produced in the Épernay region, in the heart of the Vallée de la Marne, one of Champagne's most renowned areas. Born from the experience of the Laherte family, who have been practicing artisanal and environmentally respectful viticulture for generations, this wine is an authentic example of Rosé de Saignée, a method that differs from the more common blending of white and red wines: in this case, the color is obtained by briefly macerating the grape skins with the must, naturally extracting aromas, structure, and an intense and brilliant hue.

Vintage Details

The 2020 vintage in Champagne was characterized by a particularly balanced climate, with a warm and dry summer followed by an ideal ripening period for the Pinot Meunier grape, the sole protagonist of this cuvée. The harvest, carried out by hand at full ripeness, ensured healthy and concentrated fruits, capable of giving depth to the wine while maintaining its freshness. The expressiveness of this vintage translates into an energetic, defined sip that enhances the typical fruity notes of the grape variety.

Vinification and Aging

The Champagne Rosé de Saignée Extra Brut “Les Beaudiers” 2020 is made from three different parcels of old Pinot Meunier vines. The vinification follows the traditional method (or champenoise), which involves a second fermentation in the bottle with aging on the lees for about 30 months. This slow aging enriches the wine with complexity and creaminess, giving fine and persistent bubbles. The Extra Brut dosage, with a very low sugar residue, enhances the purity of the fruit and the minerality of the terroir, resulting in a Champagne with an impeccable balance between freshness and structure.

Tasting Notes

Color

In the glass, this Champagne presents an intense and luminous pink with coppery undertones. The mousse is lively and the fine and continuous perlage contributes to visual clarity and a sense of elegance.

Nose

The nose reveals rich and generous aromas of wild strawberry, raspberry, and ripe cherry, accompanied by delicate accents of sweet spices and dried flowers. With aeration, slight hints of citrus peel and bread crust also emerge, a sign of aging on the lees.

Palate

On the palate, Champagne Rosé de Saignée Extra Brut “Les Beaudiers” 2020 displays a decisive and refined character. The fine bubbles caress the palate, while the taste develops on well-integrated fruity and mineral notes. The finish is long and persistent, with a fresh and savory close that invites another sip.

Food Pairings for Champagne Rosé de Saignée Extra Brut 'Les Beaudiers' 2020 - Laherte Frères

Versatile and gastronomic, this rosé Champagne is perfect for accompanying dishes with a certain structure but that maintain elegance and harmony of flavors. Excellent with seafood or land-based appetizers, it is also suitable for a whole meal when paired judiciously.

• Red tuna or salmon tartare
• Light meat carpaccios, such as veal or beef
• Asian cuisine dishes with spicy and sweet and sour notes
• Soft or bloomy rind cheeses, such as brie and camembert
• Shellfish and grilled fish

A surprising pairing? Try it with a seafood risotto or duck a l'orange to enhance its fruity component and vibrant acidity.

Storage and Aging: How to Store Champagne Rosé de Saignée Extra Brut 'Les Beaudiers' 2020 - Laherte Frères

To preserve the aromatic and gustatory qualities of this Champagne, it is important to store it correctly. Here are some simple rules:

• Temperature: constant between 10 and 12°C, avoiding sudden temperature changes.
• Light: keep bottles away from direct light, preferably in a dark place.
• Position: store the bottle horizontally, so that the cork remains moist and ensures a perfect seal.

While already delightful today, this Rosé Champagne can evolve positively for 4-6 years, developing more complex aromas and greater roundness. For those who love characterful rosés, "Les Beaudiers" 2020 is an excellent choice, capable of combining authenticity, finesse, and a great ability to thrill every time it's uncorked.