Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Pol Roger is one of the few remaining great family-owned Champagne houses. An unrivalled reputation within the trade has been guaranteed by the consistent excellence of the wines: a tribute to the incredible diligence of the selection of the cuvées directed by members of the Pol Roger and de Billy families, in conjunction with the Président du Directoire Laurent d’Harcourt and the Chef des Caves, Damien Cambres. With stock equivalent to five years normal sales, a major investment programme, and among the coolest and deepest cellars in Epernay, the Pol Roger range of Champagnes offers a glimpse of the sublime.

THE VINTAGE:
The year began with one of the warmer and wetter winters of the past 10 years, with high instances of sunshine in February and March. This developed into a particularly hot April where budbreak occurred in the middle of the month, and troubling droughtlike conditions setting in from mid-May to mid-August. A blessing of two to three weeks’ worth of rain helped plump the grapes out and assuage the till-then stifling vintage. With some worries of rot, the weather eventually turned delightfully clear, sunny, and cool in September. The threat of rot contained; harvest took place from 2nd to 18th September. A unique vintage as a result of the warmth and dryness, the resulting Champagne is expressive and full of freshness.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
Composed exclusively of grapes sourced from Grands Crus Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards which were already under vine during Churchill’s lifetime. The vineyards are planted on chalk and limestone soils, in which Pinot Noir and Chardonnay thrive and are renowned for producing wines of finesse and elegance.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is made only in the very best vintage years and is always released later than other vintage dated Champagnes from Pol Roger, a reflection of Churchill’s appreciation for older wines. The must underwent two débourbages (settlings), one at the press house immediately after pressing and the second, a débourbage à froid, took place in stainless steel tanks at 6°C over a 24 hour period. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks at temperatures not exceeding 18°C, with each variety and each village kept separately until final blending. The wine underwent full malolactic conversion. Secondary fermentation took place in bottle at 9°C in the lowest Pol Roger cellars (33 metres below street level) where the wine was kept until it underwent remuage (riddling) by hand, a rarity in Champagne nowadays. Dosage: 7g/l.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
This was created in homage to Sir Winston Churchill who was a great devotee of Pol Roger’s Champagnes. The wine has an inviting, bright golden hue, and a fine, regular stream of bubbles. A round and creamy Champagne with aromas of dried fruit, peppered spice and exotic fruit. On the generous palate notes of brioche and a fine concentration, with a smoky weight and terrific length on the finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Pinot Noir 60%, Chardonnay 40%.