Pol Roger Champagne ‘Brut’ Vintage 2008
Grape Varietals: 60% Pinot Noir & 40% Chardonnay
Growing Region: Epernay - France
*Chef de Cave: Dominique Petit - *(retired March 2018)
5 Stars ★★★★★
1908 - 2008 ‘celebrating the centenary of Sir Winston Churchill's first champagne order’. Due to Champagne’s weather having a balanced fragility - since the foundation of Pol Roger in 1849 they have observed a tradition of not releasing a vintage-dated champagne unless the climatic conditions facilitated the production of grapes with outstanding ripeness. A vintage champagne must above all else, be balanced.
This balance depends on the right blend of fruit parcels, a good potential alcohol and perfect acidity with the ability to age. Those who have the patience to age their champagnes are rewarded with a more complex, richer wine.
During the 2008 growing season, at the time of veraison, which started in early August, the conditions in the vineyard were outstanding. September brought excellent weather, and hand-picking started on the 15th in ideal sunny conditions. The grapes were healthy, and with a prefect sugar - acidity balance.
After the must underwent two débourbages (settlings) over a 24-hour period. The juice had a slow cool fermentation at temperatures kept under 18°C. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks, with each varietal and each village-parcel kept separate until final blending. The wine then underwent a full malolactic fermentation. Secondary fermentation took place in bottle at 9°C in their deepest cellars (33 metres below street level) where the wine was kept until it underwent remuage (riddling) by hand, which is rare in Champagne. The very fine and persistent elegant mousse a signature for which Pol Roger is renowned owes much to these deep, cool cellars.
This Brut Vintage 2008 is made from a traditional house blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from 20 Grands and Premiers crus vineyards, located in ‘Montagne de Reims’ and ‘Côte des Blancs’ areas of Champagne. Produced in limited quantities this Brut Vintage has been aged for 8 years in their cellars before being disgorged, dressed and released.
• As you pour into a generously shaped flute, the fine beading and glow will hypnotize. Lifting off from the wine, your senses will be charmed by the excellent purity and decisive refinement. On the palate, be prepared for incredible complexity, with a controlled explosion of stone fruits, toasted bread, fresh pastry notes and a hint of dried spice. The palate has excellent depth of flavour perfectly balanced by a backbone of uplifting acidity which also complements the richness and generosity of character and showcasing the signature mousse. The finish is pleasingly long and persistent, with a well-integrated dosage of 7g/L resulting in stunningly elegant the precise Champagne.
This Pol Roger Champagne ‘Brut’ Vintage 2008 has 12.5% Alc./vol. Chill gently and serve in a generously shaped flute, or a narrow aromatic wine glass at 8°- 10°C.
CELLARING POTENTIAL:
Drinking well this season; though will appreciate another 2 years and will mature nicely for another 12 - 15 years.
FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with roasted chicken, turkey, lamb cutlets, pork and crackling with apple sauce, plus with homemade cheesecakes and nut-focused pastry desserts - enjoy.
