Rosé des Riceys AOC

This small communal appellation is located in the Aube department on the southern edge of Champagne and is named after the three villages of Haut Riceys, Haut-Rive Riceys and Bas Riceys. One of the most outstanding Rós wines in France is produced here. It is said to have been appreciated by the French Sun King Louis XIV (1638-1715). It is said that the masons from Riceys who built the foundations of the Palace of Versailles brought it with them. The dark rose-red, dry wine is made from Pinot Noir through a short maceration. The secret of its special quality lies in the fact that fermentation is interrupted at precisely the moment when the typical and unmistakable "Ricey taste" of gooseberries, mint and chocolate emerges. If this interruption does not take place at exactly the right time, the taste disappears again. There are only about two dozen producers of this rare wine; well-known ones are Alexandre Bonnet, Guy de Forez , Horiot Pere et Fils, Morel Pere et Fils and Morize Pere et Fils.