Sir Winston Churchill 2013 

Champagne Pol Roger created their Prestige Cuvée in homage to Sir Winston Churchill mindful of the qualities that he sought in his champagne : robustness, a full-bodied character and relative maturity. The exact blend is a closely 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 whilst Chardonnay contributes elegance, finesse and subtlety. Composed exclusively of grapes sourced from Grands Crus Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards which were already under vine during Churchill's lifetime. Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is only made in the very best vintages and is always released later than the other vintage dated Champagnes from Pol Roger, marking Churchill's appreciation for older wines.

Vinification & Maturation

The must undergoes two débourbages (settlings), one at the press house immediately after pressing and the second, a débourbage à froid, in stainless steel tanks at 6°C over a 24 hour period. A slow cool fermentation with the temperature kept under 18°C takes place in stainless steel with each variety and each village kept separate. The wine undergoes a full malolactic-fermentation prior to final blending. Secondary fermentation takes place in bottle at 9°C in the deepest Pol Roger cellars (33 metres below street level) where the wine is kept until it undergoes remuage (riddling) by hand, a rarity in Champagne nowadays. The very fine and persistent mousse for which Pol Roger is renowned owes much to these deep, cool and damp cellars.

Tasting notes

With its splendid intense golden hue and lovely bright tints, this wine is captivating to the eye. The first nose is subtle and opens with scents of dried flowers (rose petals) delicately mingled with peppery notes, revealing a lovely freshness. After breathing, a few hints of vanilla and candied fruit come through to complete a well-developed bouquet. On entry to the palate, the wine is well balanced and underpinned by a hint of citrus fruit, confirming the intense freshness found on the first nose. It then shows itself to be enchanting and luscious, revealing notes of zesty citrus fruit, quince and green tea, magnified by deliciously elegant bubbles, characteristic of this wine of power and character. The high proportion of Pinot Noir in the blend lends the wine structure and length as well as a perfect balance of generosity and elegance. The Sir Winston Churchill 2013 is a veritable symphony of sensations.

Photo is example only, call Steve for up to date vintage 09-945 6599 and to confirm stock availability