Chaumuzy, Vallée de l'Ardre, Champagne, France
 
This is a textured, dry style of rosé Champagne, with intense minerality as well as acidity. Loaded with tension and a complex array of red fruit flavors (apple, berry, plum skin). The rich fruit leads way to toast and pepper.
 
This is a FOOD WINE all the way! Pair with hearty, fatty dishes, even red meat. - Neil
 
For three generations the Salmon family has specialized in the rare and elusive Pinot Meunier grape in the hamlet of Chaumuzy in Champagne. In fact, the twenty acres that Alexandre Salmon farms sustainably are planted 85% to Pinot Meunier. Normally used in small quantities to lend softness and fruity aromatics to champagne, the Salmon family has chosen to give Pinot Meunier the full limelight it deserves. Apart from their love of Pinot Meunier, the entire family is passionate about hot air ballooning, hence the label artwork, and can often be found aloft surveying their little corner of this beautiful region.
 
Hand-picked and gently pressed, the vivid fuchsia color is the result of a gentle, short maceration on the skins of the Pinot Meunier. Two years of aging on fine lees results in aromas of pound cake, raspberries, red currants, lemon, and coriander, blended with perfumes of lime blossom, fresh brioche, and violet. The approach on the palate is supple and fresh, with a smooth and creamy effervescence.