Even though rosé champagne has been manufactured in the Champagne region since at least 1764, it has never been as popular as it is today with approximately one tenth of the production being pink. Rosé champagne has a rather girly image, but this does not reflect its actual taste profile. As a matter of fact, rosé champagne is the most masculine champagne because of its vinous and often stronger character. Many rosé champagnes are great gastronomic accompaniments.
Rosé champagne can be made in two alternative ways: by macerating dark grapes in the juice (rosé de saignée) or by blending in some red wine from the Champagne region to a white base wine (rosé d’assemblage). The vast majority of rosé champagnes are products of the latter method, which allows better control over the outcome, but neither of these methods can be raised above the other. It is often impossible to determine the manufacturing method when tasting the wine. Laurent-Perrier is one of the few Grande Marque houses using the saignée method in rosé champagne production.
Rosé champagne is often approximately one fifth more expensive than white champagne, due not only to its trendy popularity but also to higher manufacturing costs. The production of mature, high quality red wines for rosé champagne is difficult and expensive in Champagne. Along with the increased popularity, the quality of rosé champagnes has risen significantly over the recent years. Rosé champagnes are available in a wide variety, ranging from easy-going, fresh berry flavoured to highly developed, vinous champagnes. The colours may vary from pale pink to nearly as dark as red wine.
The rosé champagnes belonging to the prestige cuvée category are the best of the best in the world of champagne. Cristal Rosé, Dom Pérignon Rosé, Laurent-Perrier Alexandra Rosé, Dom Ruinart Rosé and Pommery Cuvée Louise Rosé are wonderful examples of the ageing potential, depth and multidimensionality of rosé champagne. These champagnes are true rarities and their prices are often twice or three times as high as those of white champagne.
