AOC Rosé des Riceys

History of the AOC Rosé des Riceys

The AOC Rosé des Riceys is a unique appellation from the Champagne region. The Riceys vineyard, located in the heart of the Côte des Bar in Champagne, produces an exceptional rosé wine. The name Rosé des Riceys comes from the three villages that make up Les Riceys: Ricey-Haut, Ricey-Haute-Rive, and Ricey-Bas. The history of this rosé dates back to the 17th century when it was already appreciated by the court of Louis XIV. The AOC Rosé des Riceys was officially recognized in 1947, highlighting ancestral expertise and exceptional quality. Produced in limited quantities, Rosé des Riceys is a rare and highly sought-after wine, making it a hidden gem of Champagne.

Climate and Terroir of the AOC Rosé des Riceys

• Climate: The climate of the AOC Rosé des Riceys is degraded oceanic, with continental influences. Winters are cold, and summers are moderately warm. The vines benefit from optimal sun exposure on well-drained slopes.
• Soils: The terroir of Les Riceys is characterized by clay-limestone and marl soils, rich in minerals, which give the wines great complexity and beautiful minerality. These ideal conditions allow the grapes to develop rich aromas and balanced acidity.

The Pinot Noir: The Emblematic Grape Variety of the AOC Rosé des Riceys

Rosé des Riceys is made exclusively from the Pinot Noir grape, the essential red variety of the Champagne region, alongside Pinot Meunier. This noble and delicate grape variety is perfectly suited to the climatic conditions and terroir of the Côte des Bar, giving Rosé des Riceys its fruity aromas, structure, and ability to age gracefully.

Style of AOC Rosé des Riceys Wines

Appearance: Rosé des Riceys stands out with a salmon-pink color of varying intensity, often adorned with coppery highlights resulting from extended maceration of the Pinot Noir skins.

Nose: The nose is complex and expressive, revealing aromas of small red fruits (strawberry, raspberry, cherry), peach, and floral notes. The typical taste of Rosé des Riceys wines is characterized by a finish of almond, vanilla, and a hint of bergamot.

Palate: Rosé des Riceys is both powerful and delicate on the palate. It offers a frank attack followed by a beautiful roundness, with fruity flavors and well-balanced acidity. The finish is long, marked by a fine bitterness, adding depth.

Serving Temperature: Between 10 and 12 °C

Aging Potential: Rosé des Riceys has good aging potential. It can be kept for 5 to 10 years, developing more complex aromas and an even more harmonious structure over time.

Best Food Pairings with an AOC Rosé des Riceys Wine

Here are some dishes that pair wonderfully with a bottle of still rosé from Champagne from an estate or château in AOC Rosé des Riceys:

• White pudding with caramelized apples
• Langoustine risotto
• Pâté en croûte
• Rabbit with figs
• Cheeses (such as Cendré des Riceys)

Rosé des Riceys: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Rosé des Riceys and rosé Champagne?

Rosé des Riceys is a still rosé from Champagne, while rosé Champagne is sparkling. Rosé des Riceys comes only from Pinot Noir grown in Les Riceys and fermented as whole clusters. Rosé Champagne can use the region's other grapes and is often made by blending a little still red wine into the white base.

Where are the Rosé des Riceys vineyards?

The Rosé des Riceys vineyards lie in a single commune, Les Riceys, in the southern Aube, on delimited plots. The grapes come from the steepest slopes, facing south and east. Everything hinges on fully ripe Pinot Noir, so in poor years growers choose not to make any.

How is Rosé des Riceys made?

Rosé des Riceys is made from whole-cluster Pinot Noir using semi-carbonic maceration. The grower decides how long the grapes steep, which sets a color ranging from pale salmon to deep red. The wine ages until at least July 1 of the year after harvest and goes on sale from July 15.

Which appellations does Les Riceys produce?

Les Riceys produces three appellations: Champagne, Coteaux Champenois and Rosé des Riceys. Champagne is sparkling, Coteaux Champenois covers still white, red and rosé wines, and Rosé des Riceys is a still rosé. Since that rosé comes from nowhere else, Les Riceys is the only commune that makes all three.

Where can you buy Rosé des Riceys direct from the grower?

You can buy Rosé des Riceys direct from the grower on Avenue des Vins. Each bottle ships from the estate that made it, with no middleman. The same direct model applies to the site's Champagnes and other rosé wines. For its history and aging potential, read our guide to Rosé des Riceys.

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