In the Pink this Valentine’s Day with Champagne Gosset Rosé

Rosé Champagne has long been associated with lovers. Not only does it look so pretty in the glass, but also the colour is often associated with blushing. Champagne Gosset – the oldest wine house in Champagne (founded in 1584) – suggests you share a bottle of its delicious Grand Rosé with your lover this Valentine’s Day.

You won’t find Champagne Gosset in supermarkets, but in fine wine shops; it is a small boutique Champagne house hand crafting its wines and it uses grapes from some of the finest vineyards in the region, many of which surround the small Champagne town of Epernay, where Gosset has its headquarters.

Why choose rosé? For a start there are numerous shades of pink, ranging from the slight hint of a tint, through to strikingly dark, almost mauve in tone. Perhaps it is the depth of flavour, often reminiscent of fresh strawberries, raspberries or cherries? Brut rosé can be just as dry as its white counterpart; it is fruitier but just as good and by some, considered even better.

How is it made? Gosset produces its rosé Champagne by blending a small proportion of the finest still red wine from the region with the white Champagne. Interestingly, Gosset was one of the first Champagne houses to introduce a blended rosé and by a woman – Suzanne Gosset – who was at the helm from 1955 – 65. It was considered a great innovation at the time.

In the case of Champagne Gosset Grand Rosé, it is mainly Chardonnay (58% to bring delicacy and firmness, without the need for malolactic fermentation) with 35% Pinot Noir and the remaining 7% red wine made of Grand Cru Pinot Noir, to provide roundness and fruitier aromatics.

In the glass, Gosset’s Grand Rosé is a delicate pale salmon-pink and on the nose fresh strawberries – and the finest strawberry jam. In the mouth, it is well balanced, with floral, candied citrus notes plus tangerine, wild strawberries and pomegranate, giving just a hint of sweetness, balanced by mineral, slightly savoury characteristics. Its expertise in blending allows Champagne Gosset to produce a wine with delicacy and elegance; one that can be used as an aperitif or to accompany food.

Jean-Pierre Mareigner, Champagne Gosset’s cellar master – who has been with the house for over 30 years – comments: “This is almost a vintage Champagne: indeed, I added just a very small amount of reserve wines. The low dosage gives a nice balance. The red wines from Bouzy and Ambonnay are in perfect harmony with the prevalence of Chardonnay.”