Champagne Pol Roger Rosé 2009

Winery Background & History

Pol Roger, founded in 1849 in Épernay, is one of the most revered Champagne houses, known for its craftsmanship and strong association with British nobility, particularly Sir Winston Churchill. Pol Roger has a reputation for producing elegant, structured, and refined Champagnes. The house’s Rosé cuvée is produced only in exceptional vintages, blending the best grapes from the top vineyards to achieve a balance of power, finesse, and freshness.

Producer & Wine Maker

The Pol Roger Rosé 2009 was created under the guidance of Damien Cambres, Pol Roger’s Chef de Cave. The winemaking process at Pol Roger is meticulous, focusing on expressing the unique characteristics of each vintage while maintaining the house’s style of elegance and depth.

Vineyard

The grapes for Pol Roger Rosé 2009 are sourced from Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards located in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs regions. These regions provide the ideal terroir for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with the chalky soils adding freshness and minerality to the wine.

The Wine

Pol Roger Rosé 2009 is a vintage rosé Champagne that blends Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, incorporating a small percentage of still red wine from Pinot Noir to give it its distinctive pink color. The red wine comes from the best vineyards in the Montagne de Reims, adding structure and berry flavors to the final blend.

Vintage

The 2009 vintage was an excellent year for Champagne, marked by a warm growing season that led to perfectly ripened grapes. The wines from 2009 are known for their richness and balance, making it a standout vintage for Champagne, especially for rosé wines.

ABV %

The alcohol by volume (ABV) for Pol Roger Rosé 2009 is 12.5%.

Vinification and Aging Method

Pol Roger Rosé 2009 is produced using the méthode champenoise, with secondary fermentation occurring in the bottle. The wine was aged for 6 years on its lees, contributing to its complexity and creamy texture. The dosage is around 8 g/L, which helps to balance the wine’s freshness with its richness.

Grapes Varietals

• 60% Pinot Noir

• 40% Chardonnay

A small portion of still red wine from Pinot Noir (about 15%) is added to achieve the rosé color and enhance the berry flavors.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Delicate salmon-pink with fine, persistent bubbles.

• Nose: Fresh aromas of red berries like strawberries and raspberries, with hints of rose petals, citrus zest, and subtle toasty notes from the lees aging.

• Palate: The palate is refined and elegant, with flavors of wild strawberries, cherry, and blood orange, balanced by creamy textures and bright acidity. The finish is long and refreshing, with lingering notes of minerality and a touch of spice.

Food and Wine Pairing

Pol Roger Rosé 2009 pairs beautifully with:

• Seared salmon or tuna

• Duck breast with berry sauce

• Lobster

• Sushi and sashimi

• Strawberry-based desserts

Service Methods

Serve at 10-12°C (50-54°F) in a wide Champagne flute or a white wine glass to allow the wine’s aromas and flavors to fully express themselves.

Storage and Ageing Potential

Pol Roger Rosé 2009 has excellent aging potential. While it is ready to enjoy now, it will continue to develop more complex flavors over the next 10-15 years, evolving into a more mature and layered Champagne with notes of brioche, dried fruit, and honey.

Scores

• Wine Enthusiast: 94 points

• James Suckling: 95 points

• Decanter: 93 points

Summary

Pol Roger Rosé 2009 is a vintage rosé Champagne that exemplifies the house’s signature elegance and finesse. With its delicate pink hue, vibrant berry flavors, and creamy texture, it is perfect for special occasions or fine dining. The 2009 vintage offers a beautiful balance of richness and freshness, with the structure to age gracefully over the next decade or more. Pol Roger Rosé 2009 is a refined and luxurious choice for lovers of fine Champagne.