The International Wine Review‘s Report #110, “Rosé Champagne,” rounds up the top producers and Champagnes from the publication’s tastings and reviews over the past two decades, and reviewer Don Winkler singles out both Ayala and Bollinger among the standouts.
Ayala’s NV Rosé Majeur opens with scents of rose petals, pink grapefruit, and red berries, backed by vibrant acidity and a persistent finish. Winkler calls it “an excellent aperitif rosé.” The wine blends 24 crus across multiple vintages, built mostly from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with a touch of Meunier and Grand Cru red wine from Aÿ, including a minimum of 40 percent reserve wines for added depth.
Bollinger earns Outstanding ratings for two releases. The NV Rosé Brut Champagne, 34 percent Chardonnay and 66 percent Pinot Noir, shows a solid orange salmon color with fresh strawberry and currant notes turning toward blood orange, framed by a creamy mousse and a spicy, intense finish. The 2015 La Grande Année Rosé goes further, with a vivid pink hue, a bouquet of spicy blood orange and pink grapefruit, and hints of brioche and Fuji apple.
Check out the full report HERE.
