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Viinin Kuvailu
The Story
Cuvée Alexandra Rosé. The first vintage of this wine, 1982, was launched for daughter Alexandra’s wedding in 1987. Fortunately, a few bottles still remain for the rest of the world as well. Cuvée Alexandra Rosé is vintage champagne that is made only in the best years.
Cuvée Alexandra Rosé is a rare rosé champagne because a method called saignee is used in its making. This delicate method means that the grapes are left to be extracted with their skins until the desired colour has been achieved.
All Bernard de Nonancourt’s creations rang with the mantra: 'Abiding independence of spirit'. Following the fashion, climbing aboard a trend, were anathema to him. His single-minded dedication saw its finest expression in Alexandra Rosé Millésimé as a glance back at its origins shows…
Already, in 1968, the original Cuvée Rosé had broken new ground. Today the yardstick by which all others are judged, its delectable aromas and hints of soft fruit – raspberry, strawberry, redcurrant – instantly bewitch. These all derive from the soak-on-the-skins maceration process applied to Pinot Noir grapes. Laurent-Perrier derived this knowledge from the skills it acquired making still Coteaux Champenois wines, for which extensive knowledge of Pinot Noir vinification is crucial.
During this phase of the winemaking process, the pigments in the grape skins, known as anthocyanins, colour the grape juice. It is these anthocyanins that give Cuvée Rosé its distinctive raspberry colouring with hints of salmon-pink. More importantly, though, maceration teases out the characteristic soft berry-fruit aromas. The art of cellar master Michel Fauconnet, his know-how and his highly individual style are decisive, because on his sensitive handling of each of these three techniques – maceration, vinification and blending – will dictate the wine’s colour, its unique soft fruit aromas, and the freshness and liveliness that comprise the signature features of the Cuvée Rosé Laurent-Perrier style.
Wine Information
An Alexandra Rosé Cuvée vintage is only created in years when the Grand Crus grapes of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reach maturity at the same time. Only 7 vintages have been released since its launch in 1987.
Grape varietals: Pinot Noir 80% & Chardonnay 20% *
Crus: 100% Grand Crus. Some of the most prestigious crus such as Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzenay for the Pinot Noir and Avize, Cramant and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger for the Chardonnay. The selection of plots and vineyards for the perfectly ripe Chardonnay and Pinot Noir was extremely strict.
Vinification: The perfectly ripe grapes are harvested, sorted, and de-stemmed before macerating for a short period.
Maceration: Alexandra Rosé owes its unique style to a combined maceration of Pinot Noir (80%) and Chardonnay grapes (20%). The unusual blending levels, in the same maceration base, of Pinot Noir and then a proportion of Chardonnay, results in a delicate colour, extreme finesse, and aromatic complexity. It is only possible to make this great wine in certain years as the two varietals must ripen simultaneously.
Ageing: released from the cellars after 10 years ageing.
Laurent-Perrier's premium Vintage Cuvée Rosé is like no other champagne and is the outcome of a deliberately innovative approach to winemaking. Alexandra Rosé is the ultimate expression of the passion, the exacting standards and the sheer excellence of the House. Produced in very small quantities, this outstanding, subtly powerful wine is rare and much sought-after.
Creation of a Great Wine
Laurent-Perrier's Alexandra Rosé occupies a unique position in the House range of champagnes. Filial love as well as an unbridled passion for winemaking presided at its creation. Bernard de Nonancourt unveiled his Grande Cuvée Rosé Millésimé 1982s, named after his daughter Alexandra, at the time of her wedding in 1987.
This premium cuvée magnificently illustrates the spirit of Laurent-Perrier, its excellence, and the transmission of a body of knowledge and skills that have remained intact, with total respect for the family values.
Vuosikerta 1998
The 1998 was one of large-scale variations. It began with a mild winter, followed by a rainy spring. The flowering took place in unfavourable weather conditions and at a time of heavy rainfall. After a cool July, August brought a heat-wave, followed by very heavy rainfall in early September. The dates for the wine harvest were put back, and the decision was rewarded with a return to fine weather in the second half of September.
