Veuve Clicquot Cave Privée Rose 1996

1996 was an unusual year in Champagne, marked by alternating periods of cool weather and heat, drought and humidity. After a gentle, sunny start to the year, gray skies and freezing weather settled over the vineyards of Champagne. Spring frosts covered the region in March and May, but once again they spared our vineyards. Conversely, a record-breaking heat wave hit in April, with temperatures rising as high as 26°C on certain days. The blend of this vintage is based on rigorously selected grapes from around twenty Premier and Grand Cru villages. As usual, Pinot Noir dominates at 59%, followed by Chardonnay at 33%, and a hint of Meunier at 8% to finish the balance between the three grape varieties. Faithful to the method created by Madame Clicquot in 1818, we add 15% red wine to this white vintage blend.