A. MARGAINE CHAMPAGNE BRUT ROSÉ 750ML

The NV Brut Rosé is linear, tense and salivating, with striking energy and precision throughout. Bright red stone fruit, white pepper and floral notes abound in a mid-weight, pale-colored Rosé that is all about tension and delineation. The current release is based on the 2013 vintage, with still Pinot from 2009 and 2007. Dosage is 10 grams per liter, every bit of which this wine needs. Disgorged: June 2016.

The NV Rose presents an intriguing combination of ripe fruit and structure. This release is 2009 juice, and there is no shortage of fruit from that radiant year, but there is also plenty of underlying minerality. Rose petals, crushed flowers, red berries and spices are some of the many nuances that wrap around the finish. The blend is 78% Chardonnay, 12% Pinot Noir and 10% still Pinot Noir, aged predominantly in steel (20% was aged in oak), with blocked malo. Dosage is 11 grams per liter. Disgorged July 10, 2011. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2014. Arnaud Margaine is looking for freshness in all of his wines. To that end, the malos are often blocked, although that is a decision Margaine makes for each vintage in its entirety, which means the proportion of non-malo wine in the NV cuvees is strictly a matter of vintage blend. These fine, hand-made artisan Champagnes deserve serious attention. A Terry Theise Selection, imported by Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300