To ring in the New Year, the three winemaking branches of the Rothschild family are introducing Champagne to the U.S. market. The three varietals, aptly named the Barons de Rothschild Brut, Blanc de Blancs, and Rosé, mark the family’s first joint venture and the first Champagnes to enter their heavy portfolio of wines.
Each of three Champagne options has a distinct appeal. The Brut, which is light with a bright nose, is composed of 60 percent Chardonnay and 40 percent Pinot Noir–Pinot Meunier blend. Each of the wines used in this Champagne has been aged at least three years, producing subtle aromas of pear and nuts for Champagne that pairs well with light dishes.
The Blanc de Blancs is a blend of some of the Champagne region’s greatest Chardonnays from the main Côte des Blancs crus (Avize, Cramant, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Vertus, etc.), also aged at least three years. The Blanc de Blancs features fresh fruit and citrus notes, and its fine bubbles make for a clean, surprisingly creamy taste that pairs well with seafood.
The house’s Rosé features 15 percent of Rothschild’s own red wine—dominantly Pinot Noir—blended with approximately 85 percent of Chardonnay, also from the Côte des Blancs crus. The light pink wine produces citrus and berry aromas with raspberry undertones on the palate, making it an ideal aperitif. (+33. 03.26.85.80.92, www.champagne-bdr.com)
