Pol Roger was born in 1831 and founded his own Champagne house in 1849. Throughout its 170-year history, there have been six generations of family members who have owned and managed this prestigious estate in the village of Epernay in Champagne. Pol Roger owns 225 acres of vineyards, which accounts for the majority of their blend. The final blend is aged on its own and separated by the village, grower, vineyard and grape varietal. Their distinguished tete de cuvée Champagne is named Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill.

Pol Roger does not make a non-vintage rosé, preferring to release a rose´ only in vintage years. The 2018 Brut Rose Vintage is produced from a blend of 50% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay drawn from some 20 Premiers and Grand crus on the "Montagne de Reims" and the "Côte des Blancs". In order to obtain its delicate color and subtle nose 15% of Pinot Noir, from selected vineyards in Bouzy, Ambonnay and Cumieres, is vinified "en rouge" and added to the blend prior to the second fermentation.

Pouring it into the glass, this Champagne reveals a radiant pale red hue with fine, persistent effervescence evolves along the edges of your glass. On the nose, this sleek Champagne unveils a captivating floral bouquet of rose petals and pastry crust. As you unravel the core, there is a tapestry of flavors that burst to the forefront with fresh wild strawberries, kirsch, Morello cherries, pomegranate and a subtle underpinning of slivered almonds. Delving deeper there is a dusting of candied spices and minerality that adds to the depth and complexity. This is a distinguished Rose´Champagne that is richly crafted with plenty of sophistication and freshness.

By W Peter Hoyne