90 points, Wine Spectator

Why to buy: This is a seriously beautiful wine for a Champagne lover who wants to explore beyond the big brand names. Handcrafted from bud to bottle, fourth-generation Gratien wines are amongst the most critically acclaimed family producers in the region. Serious Champagne lovers (and many of the countries top restaurants) herald Alfred Gratien’s copper-hued dry rosé bursting with white flower, hints of juicy cherry and notes of yeasty brioche toast.

Nose, palate and pairing: You’ll find a beautiful balance between aromatic strength of white flower and honey on the nose, and the freshness of the juicy raspberry and cherry in the glass. As with most rosé Champagnes, this wine is a gorgeous pairing with ocean-fresh raw oysters, briny beads of caviar and some of the subtler French cheeses.  Light rose in color with light copper glints, we love the light tickle of this wine’s fine, extremely long-lasting bubbles.



The backstory: In 1864, when winemaker Alfred Gratien was just 23 years old, he burrowed 10 kilometers of underground tunnels in the limestone hills of Saumur, in France’s Loire Valley. Today, the Gratien estate winemakers continue to craft this Brut Rosé in those hills, where layers of limestone keep the cellars cool.



Variteals: 45% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Meunier, 15% Pinot Noir

Alcohol: 12%

Appellation: AOC Champagne – Epernay, France

Brand: Alfred Gratien

Origin: France