From: Champagne, France

Varietals: 50% Pinot Noir, 50% Pinot Meunier

Tasting Notes: Markedly different from the oceans of light and fruity rosé Champagne out there, Grower Champagne producer Philippe Fontaine harnesses the powers of the Aube’s clay soils and the saignée method to deliver a powerful, deep auburn colored bubbly that’s cause for rethinking the possibilities of pink fizz. Similar in structure to the Rosé des Riceys for which the region is famous, its dusky, earthy red and black fruit carries an undercurrent of savory and even meaty flavors that fill out the round palate and give the drinker something to contemplate as well as heartily enjoy. Tight perlage lightens things up to an utterly balanced whole that helps to show off the wine’s stunning depth and complexity.

Pairing: This rosé Champagne is dying to be paired with a juicy bone-in strip steak or roasted game meats, but it’s still more than graceful enough to elevate smoked salmon, ripe Époisses, and your Thanksgiving turkey.

Located in Balnot-sur-Laignes in the Côte des Bar region, Champagne Philippe Fontaine is above all about a history of family and tradition. The Fontaine family has indeed been cultivating their land for centuries. Nowadays, Philippe, his daughter Salomé, and her husband Louis-Antoine run the estate. Most of the vineyards are located in the prestigious Les Riceys part of the region. They are comprised of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% mixed Pinot Blanc, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. All of Philippe Fontaine Champagnes are handcrafted at the estate, small production, sustainably farmed, and represent a tremendous value in the Grower Champagne category.