Pol Roger : Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2015

An iconic champagne combining structure and aromatic richness

The estate

Founded in 1849, the Champagne Pol Roger House has perpetuated for 5 generations the excellence of its expertise and its perpetual quest for perfection. An essential reference beyond borders, Maison Pol Roger is the official supplier to the British Crown as well as to the finest Michelin-starred establishments.

As one of the last houses to still practice hand riddling of champagne bottles across its entire production, Pol Roger holds its singularity in its style, authentically expressing the full potential of exceptional Champagne terroirs.

The vineyard

Maison Pol Roger oversees an exceptional Champagne vineyard of 92 hectares of vines, including the finest parcels of the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs.

The wine

"There is only one answer to defeat and that is victory," Sir Winston Churchill, to whom we owe this quote, was particularly fond of the champagnes from Maison Pol Roger, "the most delectable address in the world" according to him, to celebrate moments of glory and forget those of sorrow.

In 1975, Maison Pol Roger decided to pay tribute to this great figure by creating the Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill. Crafted from Grand Cru pinot noir and chardonnay, this exceptional champagne is produced only during exceptional vintages.

2015 is the 21st vintage of this cuvée.

The vintage

A particularly sunny winter in February and March preceded warmer weather conditions favoring bud break in mid-April. Flowering was recorded in mid-June. From the end of May until the second half of August, hot and dry conditions ensured beautiful maturation, before rainy episodes as harvest approached. The harvest was carried out between September 2 and 18.

Vinification and aging

Gentle pressing is performed following harvest. A first settling is carried out at the pressing center before a second settling in the house's vat room, cold (6°C) for 24 hours. Alcoholic fermentation at low temperature (18°C) in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. Separate vinification by grape variety and by cru before final blending. Malolactic fermentation. After blending and bottling, the secondary fermentation and aging take place in the house's historic cellars.

Produced in limited quantities, this 2015 vintage champagne from Pol Roger benefits from 9 years of aging. Following disgorgement, an additional aging of at least 3 months is carried out before release.

Blend

Kept secret, the blend is composed of pinot noir, whose predominance provides structure and robustness, as well as chardonnay, a grape variety renowned for its elegance and finesse.

Characteristics and tasting recommendations for the Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2015 from Pol Roger

Tasting

Appearance
Brilliant, the bubbles reveal a beautiful golden hue as well as a delicate effervescence.

Nose
Expressive, the nose opens with savory spicy, peppery and minty notes. As it aerates, the nose becomes more complex through notes of candied fruits, dried fruits, hazelnut but also exotic fruits (papaya, mango).

Palate
The palate seduces with its amplitude, persistence and generosity. Candied fruits, pastries, brioche and cocoa are among the aromas that harmoniously combine. The predominance of pinot noir provides structure and roundness, inviting savory moments of gastronomy.

Service

For optimal tasting, serve at 9°C.