RARE CHAMPAGNE MILLESIME 2008

Once belonging in the Piper Heidsiek stable, Rare Champagne has stood on it's own since 2018. Rare indeed, having only been produced 11 times in the last 4 decades. Known for it's freshness, purity and minerality but with wonderful cellaring potential too.

The ongoing quality of the Rare is owing to the work of legendary Chef de Cave, Régis Camus. He started with Piper Heidsiek in 1994 advancing to cellar master in 2002. He retired from Heidsiek in 2018 to focus solely on Rare. Through his lifetime he's won 'Sparkling Winemaker of the Year' at the IWC (International wine challenge) eight times and in 2019 the CSWWC, (Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships) rewarded him of a Life Achievement award.

Each vintage holds to a 70/30 split of Chardonnay to Pinot Noir but the rest is up to Régis.¶ÿ

He selects the vineyards based on their individual characteristics rather than the rank of Premiers and Grands Crus, tasting 300-400 wines each year but only chooses about 12 to blend. He prefers to use more Chardonnay from the Montagne de Reims than the Côte des Blancs due to the characteristic acidity and minerality. This vivacity is (slightly) tempered by 9 years on lees before 1 final year to marry in bottle before release.

This Champagne is a crystal-clear, light gold in colour. The initial nose shines with the pure vivacity of this vintage, showing pronounced aromas of orange blossom, hyacinth and white flowers, with notes of just-ripe Williams pear, fresh coconut, almond, and tangerine. Saline and smoky hints balance the nose perfectly. The palate is crisp and precise, with citrus and tropical fruit lingering on the long, complex finish.

France (Champagne)

Chardonnay/Pinot Noir

750ml

12%abv