Barons de Rothschild : Le Bateau 2021

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of the Bateau 2021 by Maison de Champagne Barons de Rothschild

Tasting Notes

Appearance
A luminous pale gold hue reveals superb crystalline highlights.

Nose
Of great purity evoking chalk, it unveils delicate floral and mineral aromas. These are joined by powerful, creamy notes of baked apple, coffee cream, vanilla and a touch of lemon zest.

Palate
The attack is vertical, lively and very dry. The palate, both broad and gripping, is dominated by citrus and saline flavours. The long finish lingers on notes of chalk, fresh spices, timut pepper and saffron.

Food and Wine Pairing
This wine will pair beautifully with roasted noble fish accompanied by a lightly creamy sauce, delicate white-fleshed poultry, or shellfish served with a flavourful reduced jus.

Serving and Cellaring
Endowed with beautiful acidity and a solid structure, this 2021 vintage has excellent potential for cellar ageing. It can be enjoyed until around 2036.

The Quintessence of Champagne Terroir by Barons de Rothschild

The Estate
Founded in 2005 at the heart of Champagne, the House of Barons de Rothschild was born from the unprecedented union of the three branches of the famous family (Mouton, Lafite and Clarke). Based in Reims, this prestigious brand is now led by Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, Ariane de Rothschild, as well as Eric and Saskia de Rothschild. The estate relies on 8 hectares of its own vineyards, complemented by partnerships, bringing the total to nearly 90 hectares. The property is distinguished by its devotion to chardonnay, its extended ageing periods and its extra-brut cuvées of great purity.

The Vineyard
This cuvée comes exclusively from the "Le Bateau" lieu-dit, a micro-plot of 12.15 ares located in the Grand Cru-classified village of Cramant, on the Côte des Blancs. Facing due south, the vines planted in 1974 thrive on extremely poor soil. This consists of a thin layer of about 10 cm of loamy-clay brown earth resting on a subsoil of pure Campanian chalk from the Upper Cretaceous, giving the wine exceptional minerality, verticality and tension.

The Vintage
The year 2021 in Champagne was complex and demanding for the vines due to various climatic hazards. Nevertheless, these difficult conditions resulted in fully ripe grapes with beautiful concentration and pronounced acidity.

Winemaking and Ageing
The grapes, harvested on 21 September 2021, underwent vinification and ageing entirely in French oak barrels for 9 months. The wine then benefited from an extended ageing period on lees of 45 months. Disgorgement took place on 23 April 2026.

Grape Variety
100% chardonnay