Veuve Clicquot la Grande Dame Rose 1990

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Starting at: $1,199^.99

11 Reviews

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Winery:

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin

Varietal:

Champagne Blend

Region:

France > Champagne

Type:

Sparkling Wine

Color:

Rosé

UPC:

 

User Tags:  berry, fruit, rich, texture, spice, floral, graceful, lively, mellow, accessory fruits 

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What to Expect

Champagne is specifically a sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France; every other sparkling is simply that, sparkling wine. Made to be aged for a few to many years, in many languages "Champagne" is synonymous with "party". When young, Champagne exhibits the fresh fruit tones of its "cepage", or blend. Usually based on a blend the features either Chardonnay or Pinot Noir as its main ingredient, Champagne's fruit can range from citrusy to orchard fruits and even red berries. The wine gains distinct yeasty notes from its secondary fermentation, the one that adds the fizz, which is typically described as recalling brioche or bread. As it ages Champagne tends to lose its obvious fruit, which is replaced by subtle nutty tones and subdued elements of dried fruits.

Winemakers Notes

LA GRANDE DAME ROSE 1990

THE VINTAGE
After 1988 and 1989, two very good years, 1990 has been the third consecutive, truly great vintage for Champagne and represents a trilogy unique in its history. The climate in 1990 was very similar to that of 1989. After a damp, mild winter, budding began nearly a month in advance. The vines were then touched by spring frost on both 5th and 9th April, which affected nearly 12,000 hectares. Flowering began in the first fortnight of June. The weather was cooler which led to some poor grape set and mixed grape size in the later flowering areas. Summer read more...arrived in July, with normal temperatures and rainfall. However, there was an exceptional level of sunshine, with over 2,100 hours noted. This was an absolute record for the last 30 years. As harvesting approached, the alcohol level developed rapidly and acidity remained stable. The Chardonnay was harvested at the beginning of the second week in September. The Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier were fully rip a week later. The must was remarkable, with an average alcohol level of over 10°5 GL and acidity reaching 8 g/l. The quality for these three Champagne vine varieties is superb and extremely consistent.

THE CUVÉE
The blend is based on the Pinot Noir (61%) coming from the Grands Crus of Ay in the Grande Vallée de la Marne region, and from Verzenay, Verzy, Ambonnay and Bouzy in the Montagne de Reims region. Chardonnay represents 39% of this blend, exclusively from three Grands Crus: Avize, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, from the Côte des Blancs region. La Grande Dame Rosé 1990 also contains red wine (15%) made entirely of Pinot Noir from Bouzy. Most of the grapes come from Censières, one of our best vineyards, situated right in the center of this Grand Cru.

ON THE SENSES …
La Grande Dame Rosé 1990 has a magnificent warm color, with a luminous, very deep gold red tint. Effervescence is fine and persistent. The quality of the vintage is reflected in the intense and powerful nose. This richness is accompanied by noble notes of dried fruits (black figs, dates) and mild spices (vanilla) dominating a well-rounded, softer, almost creamy base. The richness of the nose is confirmed in the mouth. La Grande Dame Rosé 1990, with a rare concentration of aromas, reveals an exceptional, full volume. The texture is dense, deep and tightly woven. The structure of the Pinot Noir remains perfectly rounded. The silkiness of La Grande Dame cuvée is already present and, with time, this sensation of sweetness will develop. Gracious notes of black cherries and raspberries dominate the finish. La Grande Dame Rosé 1990 ends the trilogy 1988, 1989 and 1990 in a blaze of glory. This truly great champagne is first and foremost a magnificent wine accompanying refined cuisine. But connoisseurs will also enjoy it on its own superb merits, after an excellent meal, and rejoice in its exceptional flavor and taste.    (hide)

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