PolRogerRose2019

Pol Roger was just nineteen when he founded his estate in 1849. Still a family-run enterprise, fifth generation Hubert de Billy is one of the descendants who manage the House today. With 89-hectares of vineyards supplying half of their grape requirements and illustrious premises containing immaculate facilities including pristinely polished stainless-steel tanks. Today they own 92 hectares of vineyards and its cellars in Epernay, just off the Avenue de Champagne run for 7.5 kms, 34 metres below the ground at a constant 9 Celsius.rrRemarkably, a small team of less than ten complete everything in the cellar by hand and Pol Roger boast four of the region’s remaining fifteen riddlers, who impressively turn over 60,000 bottles a day. Indeed, it is this style and their respect for tradition that initiated Sir Winston Churchill’s lifelong attachment to Pol Roger, who famously insisted: “In defeat I need it, in victory I deserve it.â€?Today, their prestige cuvée is named in honour of the great man.rrPol Roger do not make a non-vintage rosé, preferring to release only in vintage years. Brut Rosé Vintage is produced from some twenty Grand and Premier Crus in the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. In order to obtain its delicate colour and subtle nose, 18% Pinot Noir from selected vineyards in Ambonnay, Bouzy and Cumières is fermented and added to the blend as red wine prior to the second fermentation. Second fermentation takes place in the coolest Pol Roger cellars, thirty-three metres below ground level at temperatures of just 9°C, some 2-3°C cooler than the cellars of other producers. The cooler cellars slow down bottle fermentation, producing a champagne with finer bubbles, a characteristic for which these small production releases of Pol Roger are known for. 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 2018 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: 100% Grand & Premier Cru: Montagne de Reims, Côte des Blancs| Red Wine: Ambonnay, Bouzy, CumièresrGrape Varieties: 63.5% Pinot Noir, 36.5% Chardonnay | inc. 18% Red WinerLees ageing: 5 yearsrDisgorged:July 2025rDosage: 8 g/lrAlcohol: 12.5%rDrink: Now to 2030rrTasting Note: The nose is intense and reminiscent of a basket of red fruits where raspberry, redcurrant and blackcurrant mingle, with the added nuances of exotic mango and papaya. With time and air, the floral aromas of rose and honeysuckle then dominate. Mouth-filling on the palate with some sophistication and an impressive length. Despite the obvious ripeness on the palate, the wine has a terrific freshness and very present acidity suggesting a bright future for this cuvée.rrWatch Nick’s video tasting review of this champagne here.