Comtes de Champagne Rosé 2007 - Champagne Taittinger

The Comtes de Champagne Rosé is an excellent, outstanding champagne from Taittinger. The two grape varieties Pinot Noir (70%) and Chardonnay (30%) are married on the dot.

In the glass, this sparkling wine shines in a bright strawberry pink with a delicate mousseux. The bubbles rise in incessant strings of pearls. The intense bouquet first reveals fragrant aromas of fresh citrus fruit - especially blood orange - and some raspberry. This is followed by more mature notes of candied red and black fruits (creme de cassis, cherries and strawberries), juicy peach and some candied ginger. Finally, the nose unfolds hints of sweet pastries and candied hazelnuts.

This French sparkling wine spoils the palate with a seductive acid-sweet play. The red fruits of the nose are present on the palate and are accompanied by fine nuances of vanilla and lemon peel. The body is very well structured and pleases with an elegant freshness. The expressive finish is incredibly smooth, very long and silky.

Vinification of the Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rosé

Only strictly selected grapes from the Grand Cru sites of the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs are used for this wonderful sparkling wine. The harvest is done by hand and the grapes are immediately brought to the cellar. There the grapes are gently pressed as a whole. Only the fine must after the first pressing is used for this champagne.

The musts are quickly fermented in stainless steel tanks. For a short time a part of this wine matures in the barrel before the assemblage is composed. The base wine is bottled with the addition of the filling dosage (yeast and sugar) and left to mature for at least 5 to 8 years in the deep chalk galleries of Taittinger in Reims. Through regular shaking and turning, the yeast, which was initially at the bottom, gradually collects in the bottleneck.

This champagne is then degorged. The yeast plug is frozen in the bottle neck and the bottle is opened.

Food recommendation for the Comtes de Champagne Rosé Taittinger

Enjoy this first-class rosé sparkling wine well chilled as an aperitif for special occasions. Or also to pink roasted lamb with parsley potatoes and to desserts with fresh fruit, like pear tart.

Awards for the Rosé Comtes de Champagne

• Wine Spectator: 95 points for 2006
• International Wine Challenge: Gold for 2006
• International Wine & Spirits Challenge: Gold for 2006