Its dark colour, its aromas of red fruit (raspberry, strawberry, blackberry and cherry) and its freshness give this cuvée unrivalled elegance.

In terms of volume, the production of rosé wine is not particularly large in the Champagne region. Within the Taittinger House however, it receives special attention. They are committed to three characterful cuvées: Prestige Rosé, Nocturne Rosé and Comtes de Champagne Rosé. 

This is a bold choice as this blended wine, a mixture of reds and whites, requires special attention in the making. It should be noted that the Champagne rosé, within the Taittinger House, is part of a proud winegrowing legacy, with long-lived and established growing practices – thanks, in part, to having its own vineyard. « This ensures excellent knowledge of our vines, stability of production and an ongoing assurance of quality over the years », according to the cellar master of the Taittinger House, Alexandre Ponnavoy. We have excellent knowledge of our plots, their production and of the growing practices suited to them. This constitutes a unique opportunity. And, since there is no good rosé without a quality red wine, we thus produce differentiated and sought-after reds, based on pinot noir », in the Montagne de Reims (Ambonnay, Verzenay, Mailly-Champagne and Rilly-la-Montagne) and the Côte des Bar (Loches-sur-Ource and Les Riceys).” 

Then the art of blending comes into play. A longer maceration results in a still red wine which ensures extended stability of the extracted elements and is finally blended at an amount of 12 to 15% with a still white wine. “We’re looking for colour, fresh fruit aromas and ageing potential in this blend,” notes Alexandre Ponnavoy. As always in the wines produced by the Taittinger House, the highlight is made up of chardonnay, taut and mineral, which results in champagnes with a rare elegance. « With the Prestige Rosé, we are looking for a depth in colour, a dynamism, but also the elegance and the freshness which are the trademark of the House». On the palate this wine delivers a “vibrant” sensation, partly thanks to the flavours of young red fruits that only a rosé blend allows.

Edouard Sindler, an independent wine merchant (Les Caves Saint-Vincent, Paris, 16th district) likes the Prestige Rosé by the Taittinger House which has the distinction of « having a very characteristic style. In terms of its colour, of course, but also its red fruit notes, which are very pronounced. It differs from other champagne rosés, which are sometimes more vivacious, having less emphasis on the fruit ». He recommends it mainly as an aperitif or after-dinner custom.« It goes very well with Mediterranean products, such as tapenade or Italian cooked meats, he says. It has this festive aspect, characteristic of champagne, but it can also accompany very well dishes which would have been associated with a very good still rosé wine ». 

The wisdom of this match with Mediterranean products would never be denied by Erik Seillier, the head sommelier at the restaurant Tosca (Paris, 8th district). He is likewise attached to this champagne rosé, the only one he serves in his restaurant. By the glass. « I very much like its colour, a deep pink, unrivalled, but also its taste qualities, this aroma of red fruit which allows us to recommend it as an aperitif or with a dessert ». 

The attachment is also on another level, he recognises himself in this family proprietorial house. « It has values in common with our own values at Tosca ». The head sommelier at the Ritz (Paris, 1st district) is likewise a fan of the Prestige Rosé. « I used to recommend it to my clients at the Negresco, in Nice, where I worked before joining the Ritz, Florian Guillotteau says with a smile. What is always surprising is its colour, which is very pronounced. The Prestige Rosé is a champagne which rewrites the rule book. Its blend is very interesting, with this red base which gives substance, and real originality ». 

Credit where credit is due, Alexandre Ponnavoy likes to match the Prestige Rosé « with a fresh tuna tartare, or a champagne chicken supreme, or even with a risotto, a selection of tapenade and Iberian ham. And of course, with dessert, « with a panna cotta, a raspberry sorbet », he likes to match « the velvetiness of the Prestige Rosé, its fruit, its vivacity ». 

Text : Cyrille Jouanno