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The 2012 weather has been hallmarked by many as very challenging but has created some stunning Champagne. Winter was mild and dry with a cold snap at the beginning of February. Following cool and rainy weather in early spring, unseasonal warm weather prevailed in late March, favouring an advanced budbreak. This was followed in turn by rain, mild weather and five spells of hard frost in April and May and some local hail. These climatic challenges made for great variation in the development of the grapes. Hot, sunny weather from late July through to the first days of September, ensured that the grapes reached an ideal maturity. The yields, following all the "weather events," were low, with grapes in excellent health. Harvesting started 10th and finished 26th September. The 2012 crop showed a potential average alcohol content of 10.6° and a total acidity of 7.8 g/l. 2012’s the aromatics are powerful and forward, there is a blend of tropical notes, particularly pineapple and a rich zesty lemon sherbet going to buttery pasty. This all suggests there is a reasonable slug of Chardonnay in the 2012 blend! The Pinot Noir element seems more recessive at this point. Grapefruit comes through on the palate and a creamy lemony pastry, bundles of fruit, underlying freshness on the palate and the lees and fruit have given a creamy soft texture. Zingy lemon, grapefruit and twist of raspberry hang on the finish. A stunning 2012, forward and very seductive.
Serve at 6-8 °C with matured hard cheese (Gruyere, Parmigano Reggiano), fried duck or liver.
The Champagne House, which has been around for more than 150 years, is independent and run by the same Roger family, which has been working for generations to produce a Champagne for which every bottle is an ambassador of the Champagne House. To achieve this, the members of the Roger family select the trusted growers and the grapes they buy from them and are actively involved in the production process.
