Paul Bara, Brut Rosé, Grand Cru, $85

This Rosé Champagne remains one of our all-time favorites, ever since we first began working with grower Champagne.    

It is made by Paul Bara, a small, 27-acre estate established in 1833 in the Grand Cru village of Bouzy. Bara is considered one of the most renowned producers in the Montagne de Reims. Andrew Jefford, author of The New France, writes that Bara’s Champagnes are “essential references for anyone who wants to enjoy and understand the ripe, dry richness of Bouzy.” Today the estate is run by Paul’s eldest daughter, Chantale, who continues to keep the family tradition and the house style alive. Her 100% Grand Cru wines are all produced from fruit grown on vines averaging 35 years in age, planted in the deep, chalky clay and limestone soil that imparts intense fruit flavor and amazing minerality. She ages even her non-vintage wines a minimum of two years in their cellar, carved out of the chalk soil to a depth of over 30 feet. The current Brut Rosé is 80% Pinot Noir (12% still red from Bouzy) and 20% Chardonnay and is as gorgeous as ever. Aged four years on the lees and with eight grams dosage, it is elegant and complex, with lovely nuances of freshly-baked brioche and stone fruit and a beautiful texture.

Noted Champagne expert and author Peter Liem writes, “Bara’s Champagnes are classic examples of Bouzy … they demonstrate an unusual refinement and finesse — they tend to feel velvety in their depth of fruit and seamless in their integration of components.” This one is a perfect celebratory Champagne for the holidays, with or without food.