The 2020 Ambonnay Rosé from Benoît Marguet is one of the most distinctive rosé Champagnes in the region. The grapes are sourced exclusively from the Grand Cru vineyards of Ambonnay, one of the most famous Pinot Noir villages in the Montagne de Reims. Chalky soils, south-facing slopes, and a cool climate give the wine its impressive precision, saline minerality, and enormous depth. Benoît Marguet works consistently biodynamically, plows his vineyards with horses, and opts for minimal intervention in the cellar. The base wines ferment spontaneously in used barriques, are neither filtered nor fined, and are only minimally sulfured. The result is a rosé Champagne that reflects its origin and vintage in an unadulterated way. In the glass, the 2020 Ambonnay Rosé displays a fine copper-pink hue. The bouquet is reminiscent of wild strawberries, sour cherries, pink grapefruit, blood orange, and pomegranate, complemented by chalk, subtle spices, and delicate yeast notes. On the palate, the powerful structure of the Pinot Noir combines with vibrant freshness, precise acidity, and a saline length that lingers long after. The perlage feels finely woven and carries the aromatic complexity with great elegance. This Grand Cru rosé Champagne is much more than an aperitif. It pairs just as convincingly with tuna, langoustines, duck breast, veal, or aged Comté as it does with sophisticated vegetable dishes. With some bottle age, the wine gains additional depth and expression.
