Armand de Brignac Brut Rose NV (Gift Bag)

Winery Background and History

Armand de Brignac—commonly known as Ace of Spades—is a luxury Champagne brand created by the Cattier family and relaunched in 2006. Co-owned by Jay-Z and LVMH, it hails from Chigny‑les‑Roses in Montagne de Reims. The brand emphasizes handcrafted excellence: each bottle is hand-finished with pewter labels, polished to a mirror shine, and presented in a lacquered gift box. It’s a prestige rosé known for marrying contemporary flair with Champagne tradition  .

Producer and Wine Maker

The Cattier family—11th generation winemaker Jean-Jacques and his son Alexandre—lead production along with an 18-person cellar team. They oversee every step, from hand-pressing the first cuvée to long lees aging in deep chalk cellars. Their goal: craft multi-vintage rosé of power, texture, and purity  .

Vineyards and Micro Climate

Fruit is sourced from old‑vine Pinot Noir in Montagne de Reims, plus select plots across Champagne. The chalk-rich soils and cool continental-marine climate with wide diurnal swings yield grapes with ripe fruit intensity and balanced acidity. The inclusion of still red Pinot from old vines adds depth and complexity  .

Vinification & Aging Methods

A blend of three vintages, the wine includes 18% still red Pinot Noir macerated to enhance color and structure, aged in French oak. The multi-varietal base is barrel-fermented and aged ~6 years on lees in chalk cellars. Dosage is ~8.5 g/L, balancing richness and finesse ().

Tasting Notes

Striking salmon-pink hue with vibrant mousse. Aromas open with bright strawberry, cherry, and red currant, followed by floral notes and a whisper of smoke. On the palate it’s full-bodied, velvety, and structured—flavors of black fruit, tart raspberry, baked pastry, and sweet almond linger through a rich finish  .

Food & Wine Pairing

Versatile and lavish: ideal with truffle veal, duck confit, wild salmon, foie gras, creamy seafood pastas, sushi, berry desserts, and fruit tarts. The balance of sweetness, richness, and minerality elevates indulgent dishes  .

Service Methods and Temperatures

Chill gently to 8–10 °C. Serve in white‑wine or tulip-shaped glasses to highlight fruit aromas and mousse. No decanting needed; a gentle swirl reveals full aromatic complexity.

Storage and Aging Potential

Enjoy now or cellar for 10–15 years in ideal conditions (10–12 °C, 70–80% humidity, darkness). Over time it may gain tertiary honeyed and nutty notes while maintaining structure and freshness.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

55% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier, 25% Chardonnay, including 18% still red Pinot Noir  .

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

12.5% ()

Scores

• Decanter: 92

• Wine Spectator: 92