CHAMPAGNE, FRANCE

A note from the winemaker: In 1810, Madame Clicquot invented the first Vintage Champagne, in 2008 Veuve Clicquot declared the 65th vintage of the Maison. As with every Veuve Clicquot champagne, Pinot Noir dominates (61%) and provides the structure that is so typically Veuve Clicquot, followed by Chardonnay (34%) that adds finesse and elegance essential in a perfectly balanced wine, and then Meunier (5%) that rounds out the blend. To complete the cuvée, 14% Bouzy red Pinot Noir red wine is added. New to Vintage Rosé 2008 is that 5% of the wines were produced and aged in wooden casks (foudres) from forests in Central France, and this addition increases the champagne’s strength and aromatic richness. The cask-aged wines act as spices to the blend, bringing very lightly woody, vanilla and toasted aromas.

Food Pairings: Anything!