
Today, we have a bit more of this fantastic late release of the 2008 Cuvée Paradis Rose. Alfred Gratien, founded in 1864 in Épernay, maintains a traditional, small-scale approach, making Champagne from approximately 1.5 hectares of estate vineyards while sourcing extra fruit from long-term growers. Winemaking follows strict barrel fermentation without malolactic fermentation, preserving structure and longevity and keeping that high acid for aging. The Cuvée Paradis Rosé blends Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with still red wine for color and a bit more complexity. The 2008 vintage is known for its high acidity, precision, and aging potential due to the cool growing season and long ripening period, making it one of the best years for champagne. Aged extensively on lees before release, it exemplifies the house's focus on freshness and texture, benefiting from the vintage's tension and clarity. Salmon-hued with fine bubbles. The mature nose opens with mushroom, jammy fruit, toasted bread, and caramel, evolving into mandarin, saffron, juniper, sandalwood, and lobster bisque. A precise attack balances acidity with a lovely creaminess, chalky salinity, and a refined texture. The finish is long, clean, and elegantly structured, with acidity, minerality, and a hint of bitters. It's a beautiful example with age and has some great recent notes on CellarTracker to back it up. This is a cuvee typically only seen in Europe, and right now, we have the only bottles available in the USA!
2008 Alfred Gratien Champagne Cuvée Paradis Rosé
2008 Alfred Gratien Champagne Cuvée Paradis Rosé
Today, we have a bit more of this fantastic late release of the 2008 Cuvée Paradis Rose. Alfred Gratien, founded in 1864 in Épernay, maintains a traditional, small-scale approach, making Champagne from approximately 1.5 hectares of estate vineyards while sourcing extra fruit from long-term growers. Winemaking follows strict barrel fermentation without malolactic fermentation, preserving structure and longevity and keeping that high acid for aging. The Cuvée Paradis Rosé blends Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with still red wine for color and a bit more complexity. The 2008 vintage is known for its high acidity, precision, and aging potential due to the cool growing season and long ripening period, making it one of the best years for champagne. Aged extensively on lees before release, it exemplifies the house's focus on freshness and texture, benefiting from the vintage's tension and clarity. Salmon-hued with fine bubbles. The mature nose opens with mushroom, jammy fruit, toasted bread, and caramel, evolving into mandarin, saffron, juniper, sandalwood, and lobster bisque. A precise attack balances acidity with a lovely creaminess, chalky salinity, and a refined texture. The finish is long, clean, and elegantly structured, with acidity, minerality, and a hint of bitters. It's a beautiful example with age and has some great recent notes on CellarTracker to back it up. This is a cuvee typically only seen in Europe, and right now, we have the only bottles available in the USA!