2018 A. Margaine Rosé de Saignée 1er Cru Brut, Champagne, France

ABOUT THIS WINE

This elegant Rose Champagne from Villers-Marmery blends power and finesse, with Pinot Noir from Queue de Loge and Chardonnay from Bas Leury, grown in chalk and clay soils. A 20-hour maceration and stainless-steel fermentation preserve purity and freshness, while 66 months on the lees add depth and creamy texture. No malolactic fermentation keeps the wine bright and focused, balanced by a delicate 4.5g/L dosage. Expect fresh red fruit, citrus, and mineral notes come together in a refined, precise, and energetic finish.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

This is a small, family owned estate in the Premier Cru village of Villers-Mamery. This is a unique village; though it is in the Montagne, exposition and very chalky soil make it ideal for growing Chardonnay. Over ninety percent of the village is planted to that variety. Arnaud Margaine, the current proprietor, took over in 1989 and is the fourth generation grower-producer in his family. His daughter, Mathilde has recently come back to the domaine to help with operations. Today, the family farms 6.5 hectares, all in Villers-Marmery. Margaine has been a member of the Spécial Club since 1977 and his Club wine is always a Blanc de Blancs from his oldest parcels in the village. The average age of the vines are over 35 years, with Champs d’Enfer over 60. Vineyard work here is meticulous, and precludes any herbicides and pesticides with a focus on balance. Cover crops are used extensively and Arnaud has thought about certifying organic, though he has not yet made this decision. Margaine continues to experiment, introducing a Solera Cuvée last year as well as an excellent Rosé de Saignée from a small amount of Pinot Noir co-macerated with- Chardonnay. Vinification is in both barrel and stainless steel, depending on the parcel and the wine. “A maximum of 20 to 30 percent [of barrel-fermented wine] is a good complement for my blends,” says Arnaud. “I don’t want to go any higher.” Arnaud keeps a large proportion of reserve wine, some of which is held in tank, with a percentage held in magnum with a slight mousse a la Bollinger. “They are rich in flavor without being heavy, and over the last decade and a half that I have been drinking them I feel that they have progressively gained in finesse and complexity. Capable of an intensely pronounced expression of terroir, Margaine’s champagnes represent for me the reference point for the village of Villers-Marmery.” -Peter Liem