In 1927, the Aube, in the far south of Champagne near Burgundy, finally became a part of the overall Champagne region as one of its five “departments.” Practically right after that, a few years later in 1935, Emile Herard, along with his son-in-law George Fluteau, founded Champagne Fluteau. Their mission was to extol the virtues of the exceptional Champagne coming out of this relatively newly established region, so they’re champions of the Aube and the Côte des Bar through and through. After WWII, the house increased its reach, becoming available in many places around Europe with the help of George’s son, Bernard, who took to the helm in 1970. But it was the ‘90s that really thrust the Fluteau label into overdrive. 

In 1996, Bernard’s son Thierry, took over the house of Fluteau with the goal of modernizing production and expanding into more export markets. The venture proved fruitful – pun intended – and Champagne Fluteau became known on an international scale. In 2008, Thierry’s son, Jeremy, joined the family business after receiving his enology degree from up north in Avize. He also did some stints in both California and Michigan to get a more international perspective on the winemaking scene. Now, Jeremy, his sister Adeline, and sister-in-law Mathilde Bertillon run the day-to-day operations and international trade relations of Fluteau. 

One of the standouts of Fluteau’s lineup – and an international favorite – is the Echo Rosé. The blend is 15% chardonnay, 85% pinot noir, with 15% of which has been vinified into red wine. It might sound strange, but the wine takes a masterful turn because of it. About 60% of the wine is from the 2017 vintage and the balance from 2015 and ‘16. It went through full malolactic and aged for four years on the lees. Finished off with a judicious amount of six grams per liter of dosage, so as to not mask any of the delicate flavors that this wine possesses, it’s a well-rounded wine that should definitely be imbibed by more people. I certainly enjoy drinking this with the fanciest of meals or with the humblest of them. It’s the perfect everyday pairing.

The Echo Rosé has a fairly deeply pigmented hue – the color of light, red cherries – that shows hints of orange when the light hits just right. So, if you’re paying attention, it is masterful in vinification and masterful in its color saturation. It smells of roasting kettle corn, with peaches, and rising brioche dough, and holiday treats just out of the oven. In the mouth, an array of plums, and strawberries, with tart blood orange, and ruby red grapefruit, delicatedly spiced by notes of lemon verbena, thyme, and cinnamon. It’s a fun ride that puts me in the mood for cold nights by the fire, and sleepy mornings wrapped tightly in an avalanche of toasty blankets. Bubbles in bed? Why not?! Cin, cin, my friends!