Pol Roger Champagne Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2015

Pol Roger Champagne Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2015

The “Cuvée”
Champagne Pol Roger created his Prestige Cuvée in homage to Sir Winston Churchill mindful of the qualities he sought in his champagnes: robustness, full-bodied character and relative maturity. The exact mixture is a jealously guarded family secret, but it is undeniable that the composition would meet with the approval of the man to whom it is dedicated: “My tastes are simple, I am easily satisfied with the best.” Pinot Noir predominates, providing structure, breadth and robustness while Chardonnay contributes elegance, finesse and delicacy. Composed exclusively of grapes from Grands Crus Vineyards of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay already grown during Churchill’s lifetime. The Sir Winston Churchill Cuvée is produced only in the best vintages and is always released later than Pol Roger’s other vintage champagnes, marking Churchill’s appreciation for older wines.

Vinification and Maturation
The must undergoes two débourbages (decantations), one immediately after in the press press and the second, a débourbage à froid, in stainless steel tanks at 6°C for 24 hour period. A slow cool fermentation takes place with temperature kept below 18°C in stainless steel with each variety and village kept separate. The wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation before final blending. Secondary fermentation takes place in bottling at 9°C in Pol Roger’s deepest cellars (33 meters below street level), where the wine is stored until remuage (remuage) by hand, a rarity in Champagne Nowadays. It owes its very fine and persistent froth to which Pol Roger is renowned
much to these deep, cool, damp cellars.

Tasting Notes
The 21st vintage of the Sir Winston Churchill Cuvée is a charming medium golden yellow a fine stream of bubbles, both characteristic of this wine’s long stay the famous Pol Roger cellars.
The nose opens with notes of spice and pepper. A good intensity of black fruits follows, showing the fine concentration and density of the wine. Complexity is evident: a scent of dried fruit and hazelnut overlaid with exotic fruit notes. The aromas are particularly open and striking.
On the palate notes of candied fruit accompany hints of pastry, brioche and cocoa, ample and filling the mouth. Delightfully structured, the large percentage of Pinot Noir gives the roundness and gravity expected of this cuvée. Despite the wine’s relative youth, it begins to show some smoky weight and good grip with ample, rich and long acidity. Full-bodied and generous, the wine culminates with exceptional length. Drink now or during next 20 years.