Champagne M. Marcoult Roseline Rosé Brut NV

Founded in 1967 by Michel Marcoult in the village of Barbonne-Fayel, this family estate is now run by the next generations as récoltants-manipulants (grower-producers) who vinify exclusively their own harvest, entirely in their own cellar. What sets them apart is location and rigor, as the domaine spans three distinct terroirs, anchored in the little-known but highly coveted Côte de Sézanne. The family mapped their vineyard through 150 soil samples and four soil pits to match each parcel to the right vines and winemaking. Talk about intention!

Even further, the estate is certified High Environmental Value (HVE), runs on its own solar power, practices cover-cropping and eco-grazing, and has dropped insecticides entirely. They plant only by massale selection – blending hundreds of vine individuals for resilience against a changing climate – and grow rarer varieties like Petit Meslier and Pinot Blanc alongside the classics. The wines are wholly serious, sustainable, terroir-driven, and made without pretension – a remarkable feat in the realm of top-quality grower Champagne.

A classic blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir (11% still, for color), the Roseline Rosé rests on its lees for a minimum of 24 months with a thoughtful Brut dosage given at disgorgement. Its rose color is almost gem-like with luminosity, and the nose erupts in such an orchestra of fruit, that you’re almost surprised by the amount of complexity and nuance the palate brings… strawberries folded into whipped cream, candied orange peel, sun-warmed raspberry, waxed apple, and a sprinkle of tarragon – plus a cooling mineral pull of wet limestone – finishing fresh and gourmand in equal measure.

This is endlessly charming, mega-rare, crushingly limited rosé Champagne that delivers entirely and is best shared generously among dear friends. I can’t think of a better pink bubbly to welcome fall!