This is a grower champagne, farmed and made in the Montagne de Reims. Bardoux’s domaine is half Meunier, with the balance split between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and while I couldn’t glean clues about the cépage of this non-vintage brut rosé from either grower or importer site, it’s almost certainly Meunier-dominant. The color is salmon with flame orange highlights, and its aromas are red-fruited and nutty, suggesting biscuit, roasted hazelnut, marzipan, and brioche. The palate is huge and savory, a bite of cherry-almond pastry that nonetheless maintains a kind of airiness, a breezy freshness.
A wine with enough oomph for aged cheeses, roasted nuts, salumi, tapenade, and hearty bread. We enjoyed it on New Year’s Eve with all of the above.
Bardoux Père et Fils Brut Rosé Champagne
12% abv | $44; Imported by Ansonia Wines
Nice! Always on the lookout for Champagnes with a lot of Meunier.