What goes best with a vacation on the beach? Coconut water out of a coconut? Too Robinson Crusoe! Cocktail with an umbrella in a glass? Too cliche!
We decided to go out with a bang on the last day on Maui and picked Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne.
It worked out Instagramably! The sunset was spectacular, the black sand beach made for a perfect background, and Champagne was delicious.
If you like Clicquot’s Yellow Label, you should try Rosé as well. Actually, we liked it more.
Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé Champagne: The Blend
Rosé cuvée is based on Yellow Label’s traditional blend and made using 50 to 60 different crus with 30 to 45% of Reserve wines. Pinot Noir predominance (50-55%) provides the structure, Chardonnay (28-33%) adds the elegance and finesse, and a touch of Meunier (15-20%) rounds out the blend. The blend is then completed with 12% of still red wine to complement it with fruitiness. The long period of aging in Crayères (3 years minimum for Rosé) lends silkiness to the Champagne.
Veuve Clicquot Brut Rosé Champagne Tasting Notes
When we poured Champagne, it looked like we had sunset in a sky and in a glass.
Unlike Yellow Label, Veuve Clicquot Rosé had more than the traditional aromas of minerality and brioche. Its fruity nature showed off with aromas of red apple, cherry, and flowers.
The bubbles created a creamy sensation, balanced the acidity, and helped to elevate the flavors of ripe strawberry and apple.
We were skeptical when we got Veuve Clicquot because often, popular brands aim to please everyone. And in the pursuit of “perfect,” they can produce wine that is too “vanilla” and dilute its character.
Veuve Clicquot Rosé Champagne was a pleasant surprise, and it paired well with our last sunset on Maui.
Conclusion
Overall, it’s a well-balanced Champagne with classic aromas and flavors that are complemented by red fruit. The Cellar Master and his team did a great job creating Veuve Clicquot Rosé, and we look forward to tasting some more.
What’s your “sunset on the beach” wine?