Pol Roger : Brut Vintage 2019

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for the Pol Roger Brut Vintage 2019

Tasting

Appearance

Delicate pale gold with silvery highlights, the colour is brilliant and pure. It is enlivened by a fine, persistent mousse.

Nose

The first nose is subtle and precise. It is dominated by yellow fruits (fresh pineapple, lemon, yellow peach), with slight hints of dried fruit, notably hazelnut. With aeration, the bouquet gains depth with exotic fruits (papaya, mango), mirabelle plum, plum and a touch of delicately tangy strawberry. Complexity then unfolds through a mineral and briny framework, spicy and minty nuances, and a gourmet echo of panettone with dried fruit.

Palate

The attack is vivid and chiselled, with lovely volume and harmonious vinosity. Citrus flavours dominate: orange peel, blood orange, candied lemon and grapefruit. The tension, carried by a fine acidity, brings energy and precision. Iodine notes and salinity enhance the structure and savouriness, while the zest of candied lemon complements the power of the wine. The balance between freshness, roundness and length is remarkable and gives a sense of radiant youthfulness. The long, fresh finish invites another sip.

Serving and cellaring

After disgorgement, this champagne rests for at least six months before being shipped. Already impressive in its power and complexity, it hints at a remarkable evolution, worthy of the greatest wines of a standout vintage.

A vintage Pol Roger champagne: taut, saline and strikingly fresh

The estate

Founded in 1849 in Épernay, in Champagne, Pol Roger remains an independent, family-owned house. It belongs to the descendants of the founder and to the de Billy family. Its estate vineyards cover approximately 92 hectares, spread across the Côte des Blancs, the Vallée de la Marne and the Montagne de Reims. Around one hundred partner growers supplement its supply. The house is renowned for a style founded on freshness, precision and elegance. It still riddles by hand and ages its wines in cellars 33 metres deep. Its first Royal Warrant dates from 1877.

The vineyard

Champagne is the northernmost wine region of France, which makes its climate unpredictable. This cuvée is made exclusively from grapes sourced from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. They come from three main areas: the Montagne de Reims (Ambonnay, Bouzy and Verzenay), the Grande Vallée de la Marne (Cumières, Hautvillers and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ) and the Côte des Blancs (Avize, Chouilly and Vertus).

The vintage

Since 1849, Pol Roger has only produced a vintage when the climate yields grapes of great ripeness. The winter of 2019 was mild, with a few cold spells in December and January. Rain from November and snow in January ensured good replenishment of the soil's water reserves. From mid-February to the end of March, sunshine prevailed despite a few episodes of frost. The spring was cool and damp, with frosts in April and a rainy May. Warmth arrived in early June and revived the vine's growth. Flowering took place on 18 June, slightly later than average. The summer saw two heatwaves, including a peak of 42.9°C. Water stress was notable, but the August rains revived ripening. Before the harvest, the bunches were healthy and of fine quality. The harvest took place from 10 to 24 September, in ideal conditions. In the winery, the musts displayed a remarkable balance, in which freshness, fine ripeness, richness and aromatic expression were in harmony.

Vinification and ageing

For the Brut Vintage 2019, pressing is rapid and gentle. A first settling is carried out at the pressing centre, followed by a second in the winery, cold, for 24 hours. Alcoholic fermentation takes place at low temperature, in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Grape varieties and crus are vinified separately before the final blend. Malolactic fermentation is carried out, as for all of the House's wines. After tasting and blending, bottling takes place. The second fermentation and ageing take place in the cellars, 33 metres deep. Riddling is done by hand, in keeping with tradition, before disgorgement and dosage. The wine then rests for at least six months before shipping.

Grape varieties

This champagne is a blend of 63.5% Pinot Noir and 36.5% Chardonnay.