Champagne Francis Boulard Rosé Brut Nature
It’s my wedding anniversary this evening so it seems appropriate to pull out a Rosé Champagne to celebrate with. Comprising 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Pinot Meunier, Champagne’s red grapes, a brief maceration of 10-12 hours gives the attractive salmon colour.
The estate has been working organically for some time and is currently moving towards a biodynamic approach for all of their vineyards. Short pruning, light inter-row ploughing, natural weed cover and biodynamic preparations complete the holistic approach taken by Francis and his daughter Delphine.
There has been a debate within the wine industry about disgorgement dates and their importance in determining which particular bottling of a non-vintage Champagne you are drinking so it’s refreshing to see that the back label specifies not just the disgorgement date (21/05/10) but also the bottling date (22/04/08), forward thinking indeed.
NY Times – article on disgorgement dates
Francis Boulard Rosé Champagne NV – Brut Nature
Good example of a zero dosage rosé Champagne. Whilst the fruit feels firm due to the high acidity, there’s none of the harshness I normally associate with zero dosage. Cranberry and strawberry with straw and a splash of citrus. Develops on the finish to leave a pleasantly creamy sensation. 88/100
