Alfred Gratien Brut Rosé Champagne

Dry, crisp and vinous. This is a medium-bodied Brut rosé Champagne with real structure and a fine, persistent mousse. The nose shows fresh cherry, redcurrant and pink grapefruit, with a mineral lift. The palate brings red berries and biscuit. Subtle oak adds depth rather than flavor. The acidity is vivid from start to finish, and the finish is long, saline and gently grippy.

Alfred Gratien is a small, family-founded house in Épernay known for an old-fashioned approach: first fermentation takes place in small oak casks, and malolactic fermentation is blocked to preserve freshness and longevity. This rosé d’assemblage is a Chardonnay-led blend with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, colored with a portion of still red wine, then given extended aging on its lees. It is bottled at 12.5% ABV in a 750 mL bottle.

Serve at 46 to 50°F in a tulip glass. Its structure suits the table, from salmon and red mullet to duck.