Roederer Estate, Quartet Brut Rose NV

The Roederer Estate Rosé is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. For colour, the winemaker prepares a small portion of Pinot Noir with extended maceration and adds about five percent to the blend before secondary fermentation, imparting a subtle salmon hue. Both the 60/40 blend and addition of the small amount of red wine create a charming wine of discreet finesse. The Roederer Estate Rosé is full and round with smooth flavours and fine, persistent, bubbles. The extra measure of Chardonnay contributes elegance and austerity, which balance nicely with the delicate fruitiness of the Pinot Noir. As with all Roederer Estate wines, the Brut Rosé is comprised of 100 percent estate grown grapes. Oak-aged wines from the Estate`s reserve cellars are added to the blend, creating a multi-vintage cuvée in the traditional Roederer style. Only the cuvée (first pressing of 120 gallons/ton) is used, no premiere or deuxieme taille. The wine is then fermented at 65 degrees Fahrenheit in high-grade stainless steel tanks. Five percent Pinot Noir is added for colour prior to secondary fermentation, no malolactic fermentation is used. Oak-aged reserve wines from the Estate`s cellars make up 10 to 20 percent of the Rosé cuvée.