DomaineAlexandreBonnetLesContreesRoseExtraBrut2019

Alexandre Bonnet Champagne House as we know it today goes back to 1970, in the stunning hillside village of Les Riceys, nearer and sharing more in common with Chablis than the rest of Champagne. With three Appellation d’origine contrôlée (AOC) of Champagne, Coteaux Champenois and Rosé des Riceys, makes it unique in the world of winemaking. Its 838 hectares of vineyards make Les Riceys the largest wine producing village area in the Champagne region.rrToday the estate is 47 hectares of vineyards, exceptional land often steep dramatic hillsides. The soils are quite different to the rest of champagne with subsoils mainly composed of marly or argillaceous limestone, helping to promote elegant and complex aromas while retaining a generosity of fruit. Alain Pailley has been chef de Cave since 1985, retiring in October 2023 and handing on to his deputy Irvin Charpentier who at just 30 years old has been “in trainingâ€?since 2018. The estate became part of the Lanson BCC Group in 1998.rrLes Contrées: In Champagne, it is known as a Lieu-dit. In Burgundy, a Climat. On the terroir of Les Riceys, it is called a Contrée. All these romantic names refer to the same thing: an area of land planted with vines, which has different qualities from its neighbour, faces a different direction, has a different slope, or is exposed differently to the wind or sun. rrVineyard: The vineyards have a variety of limestone and marls from the Kimmeridgian Jurassic era and climatically sunny semi-continental climate with cool nights at an altitude of 250m. A variety of Pinot Noir vine origins, both clone and massal selections from Champagne, Burgundy and the estate itself trained guyot and cordon de royat pruning techniques, giving yields 20% lower than average in Champagne. Average age of the vines: 30 years. The estate was certified in 2015 with HVE (high environmental value). Harvested from selected vineyards on one of the steepest regions facing south, La Forêt is an intense and distinguished maceration rosé: Les Riceys Pinot Noir in all its glory.rrWeather: The 2019 growing period posed many challenges following budbreak in early April, which brought severe spring frosts that took their toll on the vineyards. Early summer was variable, with powdery mildew becoming a serious threat. The summer season saw two heatwaves in June and July, with a record-breaking temperature. As a consequence, scalding destroyed some 10% of the expected harvest. The warm and sunny weather continued throughout August and September, bringing concentration and richness. Cool nights were crucial in helping the grapes retain their fresh acidity. Chardonnay was more problematic in 2019, due to its susceptibility to powdery mildew. A slightly smaller crop was picked, commencing September 2nd. On paper, the potential alcohol level was slightly up from 2019 and the acidity a little higher, thus the balance looks excellent. Initial tasting confirms good tension and fine purity in the wines. rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: Côte des Bar: Les Riceys (La Forêt vineyard & La Géande vineyard)rGrape Varieties: 90% Rosé de Saignée from Pinot Noir La Forêt vineyard & 10% Pinot BlancLa Géande vineyardrLees Ageing: 3 yearsrDisgorgement: 22nd July 2023rDosage: 5 g/lrProduction: 8004 BottlesrDrink: Now to 2025+rrTasting Note: On the nose, winey, with ripe red berries, wild berries and violets. With a suave, gourmet structure, the palate is full and coated. The aromas linger on the palate for a long finish.