Description
Rare Champagne, Millesime 2013 (3x75cl Case)
Producer: Rare Champagne
Region/Appellation: Reims/Champagne
Country Hierarchy: France
Grape/Blend: Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
Wine Style: White
Alcohol Content: 12% ABV
Winemaker
In over 40 years, Rare Champagne has only declared a vintage 14 times: 1976, 1979, 1985, 1988, 1990, 1998, 1999, 2002, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Originally crafted under the Piper-Heidsieck label, the remarkable singularity and unique style of Rare Champagne led to it becoming its own House in 2019.
Rare Champagne was conceived as an homage to the royal court at Versailles, where founder Florens-Louis Heidsieck presented his first ‘prestige cuvée’ to Marie Antoinette in 1785, declaring that he wanted to make a ‘cuvée worthy of a queen’. These glamorous beginnings are further referenced in Rare Champagne’s unique bottle shape and distinctive gold casing; a nod to the opulent, bejewelled bottle that Russian jeweller Pierre-Karl Fabergé designed for Piper-Heidsieck in the 1800’s.
Appearance:
The Rare Champagne Millésime 2013 pours with a radiant, pale gold color, showcasing its maturity and elegance. The fine, persistent bubbles create a delicate and continuous stream, forming a lovely mousse at the top of the glass.
Nose:
The nose is immediately captivating and complex, offering a sophisticated bouquet of aromas. Initial scents of fresh citrus fruits, such as lemon and mandarin, are complemented by ripe orchard fruits like pear and golden apple. As it opens up, deeper layers of white flowers, such as jasmine and acacia, emerge. There are also enticing notes of freshly baked brioche, roasted almonds, and a touch of vanilla. A subtle minerality and hints of chalk and wet stones add to the aromatic complexity.
Palate:
On the palate, the Rare Millésime 2013 is both vibrant and refined. The initial attack is fresh and lively, with bright acidity highlighting flavors of citrus zest and green apple. As the wine evolves on the palate, it reveals a creamy, almost buttery texture, with layers of stone fruits like apricot and peach. The mid-palate is enriched by flavors of toasted nuts, honey, and a hint of marzipan. The well-integrated acidity ensures a balanced and harmonious profile, providing both elegance and structure.
Finish:
The finish is exceptionally long and satisfying, with a crisp, clean minerality that lingers. Notes of citrus zest, flint, and a delicate saline quality add to the refreshing and precise nature of the finish. There is a lingering hint of spice and toasted brioche, leaving a lasting impression of sophistication and finesse.
Food Pairing:
Rare Champagne Millésime 2013 is a versatile and elegant wine that pairs beautifully with a variety of gourmet dishes. Its freshness and complexity make it a perfect match for seafood, including lobster, scallops, and sushi. It also pairs wonderfully with poultry, such as roasted chicken or duck, and creamy pasta dishes. For a vegetarian pairing, consider dishes like truffle risotto or a rich, mushroom-based dish. Additionally, aged cheeses, particularly those with a creamy texture, complement the wine’s depth and richness.
Delivery charges are based on weight, the number of bottles, and calculated on Check Out.
