Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill Brut 2013 (Gift Box)

Winery Background and History

Founded in 1849 in Épernay, Champagne, Pol Roger is one of the few remaining family-owned Grande Marque Champagne houses. Renowned for its commitment to quality and tradition, the house gained prominence as the favored Champagne of Sir Winston Churchill. In homage to this relationship, Pol Roger created the Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill, first released in 1984. The house owns 92 hectares of vineyards and is celebrated for its deep, cool cellars, which contribute to the finesse of its wines.

Producer and Winemaker

The Pol Roger winemaking team, led by Chef de Cave Damien Cambres, upholds the house’s philosophy of producing elegant and balanced Champagnes. With a focus on traditional methods, including hand riddling and extended aging, the team ensures each cuvée reflects the house’s signature style. The Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is crafted only in the finest vintages, embodying the strength and character admired by its namesake.

Vineyards and Microclimate

The grapes for the Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill are sourced exclusively from Grand Cru vineyards in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs regions. These sites are chosen for their ability to produce grapes with the structure and finesse required for long aging. The 2013 vintage benefited from a cool growing season, resulting in wines with vibrant acidity and precise fruit expression.

Vinification & Aging Methods

The exact blend of the Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill is a closely guarded secret, though it is known to be Pinot Noir-dominant with a portion of Chardonnay. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks, and the wine undergoes full malolactic fermentation. It is aged for nearly a decade in Pol Roger’s deep cellars before release, with a dosage of 7 g/L. Disgorgement for the 2013 vintage took place in July 2021.

Tasting Notes

The 2013 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill displays a bright golden hue with a fine, persistent mousse. The nose offers complex aromas of dried ginger, pie crust, cooked apple, and peach. On the palate, it is full-bodied and multidimensional, featuring notes of ginseng, toasted bread, and dried apple. The wine is rich yet precise, with a long, elegant finish. 

Food & Wine Pairing

This Champagne pairs beautifully with a range of dishes, including roasted poultry, lobster, and aged cheeses like Comté. Its richness complements creamy sauces, while its acidity balances fatty meats. For a classic pairing, consider serving it with caviar or oysters to highlight its elegance and complexity.

Service Methods and Temperatures

Serve the 2013 Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill at 10°C to 12°C (50°F to 54°F) in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass to concentrate its aromas. No decanting is necessary. Allowing the wine to breathe for a few minutes in the glass will enhance its expressive bouquet.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place with consistent temperature and humidity. While the 2013 vintage is approachable now, it possesses the structure to age gracefully for 15 to 20 years, developing greater complexity and depth over time.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

Exact proportions are undisclosed; however, the blend is predominantly Pinot Noir with a smaller percentage of Chardonnay.

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

12.5%

Scores

• Wine Enthusiast: 98

• James Suckling: 97

• Jeb Dunnuck: 97

• Vinous: 97

• Wine Advocate: 96

• Wine Spectator: 95

• Decanter: 95