Fifth generation independent vigneronne Marie-Nolle Rainon-Henriet has taken the reins from her father, Daniel (who is still on the scene) at this house and, along with her husband Nicolas Rainon, she is now crafting some of the most exciting and terroir-expressive Champagnes from their 3.5 hectares of holdings in the Grand Cru villages of Verzy and Verzenay and -what may be even more exciting- their 2.5 hectares in 1er cru Villers-Marmery. Uniquely situated at the southeastern extreme of the Montagne de Reims, unlike the Grand Cru villages of Verzy and Verzenay, where younger alluvial soils are at the surface and the chalk becomes a subsoil, in Villers-Marmery the chalk is exposed, and so finely crushed and potent that it is highly influential on the wines. In fact, this is one of only a few villages in the Montagne de Reims which is AOC 1er cru for Chardonnay and not the region's predominant Pinot Noir. The Ros Brut Grand Cru is composed of 50% Chardonnay/50% Pinot Noir (19% of which is red wine), from Verzenay and Verzy. Vines planted between 1969-2006. Fermentation in enameled iron tanks with malolactic fermentation.
TASTING NOTES
Very pale pink. The nose is very fresh, mineral-tinged berries and tangerine. Light on the palate, with strawberries, blood orange and hints of pearskin. Mineral quality on the finish.
