Champagne, Laherte Frères, Rosé de Meunier Extra-Brut
About Producer
In 1889, Jean-Baptiste Laherte founded the family domaine and planted vines around the village of Chavot, 6km south of Epernay. Over the years, the domaine has expanded to reach 11ha today. Since 2005, Aurélien Laherte, representing the 7th generation, is in charge under the benevolent eyes of his father Thierry and uncle Christian. On the Coteaux Sud d’Epernay, Côte des Blancs and Vallée de la Marne, Aurélien’s faultless viticultural practices have put this estate among the most dynamic and modernist rising stars in the appellation.
Varietals
100% old-vine pinot meunier on clay, limestone and flinty soil: 60% direct pressed white wine (40% reserve wine), 30% macerated (destemmed fruit left in contact with the skins for a short while), 10% red wine. Aged on lees for 6 months. Disgorged in July 2021. Dosage: 2.5g/L.
About Appellation
One of the first mentions of vines in the region was made by Saint Remigius, the Bishop of Reims who baptised the King of the Franks Clovis I in 496, who listed in his testament a vineyard in the suburb of Reims. Much has been written about the key roles of Dom Pierre Pérignon (1638-1715), a Benedictine monk at Hautvilliers Abbey, and Frère Jean Oudart (1654-1742), from Saint-Pierre-aux-Monts Abbey in Pierry, in the development of Champagne as we know today. In 1690, 'Champagne Wines' were first mentioned to designate sparkling wines of the region, and it was also the first time in France that a wine was identified as produce from a specific region. Today, the vineyards covers 34,300ha in four sub-regions, Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, Côte des Blancs and Côte des Bar. Within the three first sub-regions, there are 17 Grand Cru communes. While the main grape varieties are pinot noir, chardonnay and pinot meunier, four other varietals are also used in some blends, arbane, petit meslier, pinot blanc and pinot gris (known locally as fromenteau).
Tasting Notes
Enticing nose of red berries, mandarine, orange blossom, toast and white flowers, creamy mouthfeel with delightful crispness, excellent focus and impressive depth, multilayered flavours of strawberry, raspberry, orange peel, citrus and baked pastry liberally laced with chalky mineral undertones, racy acidity and refined bubbles leading onto a long, vibrant finish. This is a superb rosé champagne with wonderful fruit purity, remarkable density and vivid energy. It’s rich and intense yet beguilingly charming, and there is an engaging, bright line of freshness throughout the palate that adds an invigorating lift to the vivacious aftertaste. (06/2022)