Paul Bara Grand Rosé Bouzy Grand Cru NV

Grape Makeup:

80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay

Sweetness Level:

Brut

Ageing on Lees:

4 years

Price:

$$

Cellar:

Up to 5 years

Category:

Culinary

What

A grower family with a history in Bouzy dating to the early 1600s who have been bottling their own wine since the 1950s; they are one of the original members of the Club Trésors de Champagne (known then as the Club de Viticulteurs Champenois).

Where

Bouzy, Montagne de Reims; 11 hectares all in Bouzy; ~85% pinot noir, 15% chardonnay.

Why

The estate is known for its sumptuous rosé (they made the first Rosé Spécial Club). The wines are especially bold in their fruit flavours, combining a saignée of pinot noir, some white from the estate’s reserve blend and 12% red wine made from Bouzy Grand Cru pinot noir. Of these, only the red undergoes malolactic conversion, preserving more fruit flavours in the white and rosé components.

What Else

The late Paul Bara was the author of a “History of Bouzy” and was considered the village historian.

Tasting Notes

Very rounded and generous with a beery edge, the nose gives off sour raspberry fruit with warming spices like cassia and dried ginger. Really plump on the palate with striking, distinctly pear-toned fruit, this has no angles anywhere, becoming ever more immense and mouth-filling, with just enough acidity to keep it this side of too much. The flesh is voluptuous and oily, while bitterness on the finish helps give some closure, leaving the perfume of ripe pears to linger.

Try It With

Oily, rich fish dishes like salmon or black cod.

When To Drink

Main course.

Perfect For

The friend who always makes you smile because their smile is infectious.

TL/DR

Plump, mouth-filling, joyous rosé.

Supplier

Golden Gate Wines