Armand de Brignac Champagne Rosé Brut in Velvet Bag

Armand de Brignac is produced by Cattier, a family house near Reims with a long record of growing and making Champagne. This Rose Brut is a prestige bottling, blended from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier and coloured by the addition of still red wine in the Champagne manner. It is made by the traditional method, with a second fermentation in bottle and extended ageing on the lees, which underpins the fine bead and the toasted, almond-like depth beneath the red fruit. The dosage sits at a brut 9.5 g/l, and the magnum arrives in the house's velvet bag.

The colour is a vivid rose with copper reflections and a fine, elegant bead. The nose shows fresh strawberry, raspberry and cherry with floral hints and a touch of brioche and almond, and the palate is elegant and velvety, its lively red fruit carried on a fresh line of acidity to a long, gently spiced finish. Serve at 8 to 10 degrees in a white wine glass to show the fruit. It is a fine aperitif and pairs with oysters, lobster and scallops, and its red fruit also suits a berry dessert.