Libertine Brut Rose NV

There is a moment of joy that accompanies opening a bottle of fine sparkling wine that demands the company of friends, partners, and lovers. Libertine is a celebration of these bonds of pleasure.

Low-lying Essex has witnessed the steepest rise in reputation of any of the burgeoning wine regions of England. Long, dry summers give a more generous fruit profile and more body to the wines made here. While it is challenging to successfully ripen Pinot Noir in most parts of England, these long summers give Essex a head start. This makes it an ideal place to grow grapes for quality rose sparkling wine.

Libertine Brut Rose is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay made by two Masters of Wine - Liam Stevenson MW and John Atkinson MW. Grapes are whole cluster pressed and fermented in a mix of stainless steel and old oak barriques. The wine then undergoes a secondary fermentation in bottle, as per the traditional Champagne method, and spends just a few months on its lees to preserve the glorious red fruit that is so characteristic of grapes grown in Essex.

The wine has an enticing salmon pink colour, much like the most popular rose Champagnes. Aromas and flavours of bright summer fruits are immediately obvious, with a hint of spice. It is however drier on the palate than you would expect, with a subtle biscuity character that complements the lively fruit.

Pairs perfectly with fresh seafood, sushi, fish tacos, goats cheese and fragrant Asian dishes.