Larmandier-Bernier 1er Cru Rosé de Saignée Base 2018 Disg Apr 21 Magnum 1.5L, Champagne

Larmandier Bernier Premier Cru Rosé de Saignée (Base 2018, Disgorged April 2021) is a rare, characterful Champagne that breaks the mould of delicate pink bubbles. This is a bold, vinous rosé made using the saignée method, where Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are given extended skin contact to extract both colour and depth of flavour—a technique rarely used in Champagne due to its complexity and the skill required to get it right. Unsurprisingly, Pierre and Sophie Larmandier nail it.

Sourced from Premier Cru vineyards in Vertus, the fruit is biodynamically farmed and fermented with indigenous yeasts in oak barrels. There’s no dosage, allowing the structure and power of the fruit to shine. This is Champagne made like serious Burgundy, and it shows.

The nose is deeply perfumed with wild strawberries, blood orange, crushed rose petals, black cherry and a hint of spice. On the palate, it’s dry, textured and complex—there’s flesh, but also drive. Think juicy red fruit, citrus peel, a whisper of earthiness and a long, chalky finish that brings freshness and lift to the wine’s bold core.

This is not a poolside rosé—it’s a wine for the table. Serve it with duck breast, charcuterie, roast quail, aged Comté or even tuna tartare with pomegranate. It’s powerful, unique and incredibly limited.