Cuvée Thérèse, Vintage 2016, Sparkling Rosé, Méthode Traditionnelle, extra brut

We embraced our stunning summer, opting to sacrifice some of our low-cropped, organic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These grapes, handpicked two weeks before full ripeness, boast superior quality - quite different from the usual high-acid, poor-ripeness grapes found in Sparkling wines.

While it comes at a cost, quality reigns supreme in all my wines, particularly when it comes to Sparkling wine and their avoidance of high dosage. My focus lies in the quality of the base wine, favouring riper fruit with intense berry flavours and natural concentration. These carefully selected grapes undergo a gentle crush and destemming process, with a brief cold maceration to minimize skin colour extraction. The juice is then pressed directly into 500-liter French oak puncheons for a wild fermentation and further aging on the fine lees for 10 months. To initiate a secondary fermentation, the wine is bottled with a 'liqueur de tirage,' containing yeast, wine and minimal sugar for our dry Sparkling. The wine then had ample time to mature on its lees in the bottle for six years, surpassing the minimum requirement for Vintage Champagne, which stands at three years. For reference - only the best and most expensive Champagne is aged for five years or more. This process then completes the second fermentation. After riddling (remuage), a minimal dosage of sugar in the 'liqueur d'expedition,' a mix of sugar and wine, is added post-disgorgement (the process to remove the sediments) for a Sparkling of supreme quality and refinement. 

This sparkling rosé boasts a playful pink hue accompanied by fine, persistent bubbles. Delight in the inviting bouquet, where the freshness of red berries, notably strawberries and raspberries, mingles harmoniously with hints of brioche. On the palate, experience a delightful brightness and uplifting sensation, balanced by a creamy texture and roundness achieved through extended lees aging. Intense fruit flavours are enhanced by a subtle minerality and a delicate touch of spice. The finish is crisp, leaving a lingering impression of juicy blood oranges and a subtle hint of toasted almond. Overall, this elegant and complex vintage sparkling rosé strikes a delicate equilibrium between its fruit-forward nature and profound depth, ensuring it is an impeccable choice for wine enthusiasts.

Technical Data

Pair it with anything, anywhere, anytime! Perfect for the coming festive season as a welcome drink or alongside appetizers and fruity desserts. We love savouring it alongside our national Christmas dessert - a fruity Pavlova or an Italian Panettone. Heaven!

Sweetness Levels of Champagne

A perfect match with rich pasta dishes, beef or game.

James Suckling - 93 points

'A rather eccentric, dark-colored rose sparkling wine made from 80% pinot noir and 20% chardonnay. It shows plenty of dried strawberry, dried orange peel and light caramel aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied and flavorful. This will be excellent with food, especially grilled meat. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.' James Suckling