What is the perfect wine to share with the one you love on Valentine's Day? If you ask me, the way to go is Rose Champagne, and one of the finest values in that "playing field" is Gimonnet-Gonet's L'Eclat Rose. It's pink, it's dry, it's beautifully aromatic, and it's a wonderful value in Grower Champagne.
A blend of 93% Chardonnay and 7% Pinot Noir, mainly from Grand Cru sites, this is zesty, pure, racy, and delicious Champagne. Like their Blanc de Noir, which is also on sale, this is a stellar value brought to us by North Carolina-based importer the Haw River Wine Man.
Champagne Gimonnet-Gonet Rose L'Eclat
Why should you buy it?
- I love the balance of this wine. There's a liveliness and tartness on the front of the palate, but there's a luxurious, creamy texture that fills in on the mid and back-palate. Lovely!
- Why is there so much Chardonnay in a Rose Champagne? Good question, but I'm here to tell you this is not uncommon at all. Ever heard of Billecart-Salmon or Ruinart? Like Gimonnet-Gonet, these iconic Champagne houses use a larger % of Chardonnay in their Rose Champagnes to impart a brighter and racier style.
- Aged for 20 months in the bottle and on the lies, the finished wine is exquisite. Tiny bubbles and a fine mousse lead into aromas and flavors of crushed raspberry, ripe citrus, chalk, and rose petal.
- Value, value, value! It seems counterintuitive that a wine made in much smaller quantities than Veuve, Billecart, and Ruinart would cost so much less, but that's why we constantly recommend Champagnes from small growers. You are not paying their marketing bills : )
Give this a try with sushi or sashimi for a perfect wine and dine experience!
