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By Piper Heidsieck Champagne
Rare Millesime 2013

Winemaker's Note
Rare Millesime 2013 expresses the house's signature in two stages, blending minerality with a tropical twist. Despite its initially reserved appearance, this vintage unfurls delicious notes of pastries and spices in a saline tension that is both noble and full-bodied.

Elaboration
Blend: 70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir
Location: 11 Crus, of which seven are classified as Grand Crus and three as Premier Crus
Chardonnay Crus: Villers-Marmery, Vaudemanges, Verzy, Ambonnay, Avize, Chouilly, Oger, Montgueux
Pinot Noir Crus: Verzy, Verzenay, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Tauxieres
Vinification: Full malolactic fermentation
Dosage: 9 g/L
Aging on Lees: 8 years minimum
Aging in Bottle: 1 year minimum
Aging Potential: Dazzling until 2040, resplendent thereafter

Vintage Conditions
Extreme weather. After a cold winter and spring punctuated by chaotic downpours, summer brought a mixture of sun, drought, and thunderstorms. In September, a chilly autumn exacerbated by strong winds forced the harvest to begin late in October.

To the Eye
Intensely bright. The effervescence of Rare Millesime 2013 is tinged with an intensely bright, light golden color.

On the Nose
Floral and spiced. The nose, at first subtle and clean, emerges in two stages, combining tonicity and elegance. It all begins with the delicacy of white flowers, a hint of black tea, and touches of citrus, kiwi, and kumquat. Then, notes of lime blossom, green tea, and fern give way to aromas of white fruits such as greengage plums. Touches of chestnut honey, sweet spices, vanilla, and marzipan round off the wine's rich bouquet.

On the Palate
Aromatic and smokey. The two facets of Rare Millesime 2013 are confirmed in the mouth: smooth and vibrant, indulgent and dynamic. Hints of meringue, whipped cream, marzipan, kumquat, blood orange, and kiwi provide a refreshing tonicity. On the finish, the comforting texture of Rare Millesime 2013 appears as an aromatic and smoky indulgence punctuated by freshness and a subtle bitterness. Rare Champagne's iconic signature of tropic minerality is expressed differently in Rare Millesime 2013, extended by a plump and prolonged aftertaste.

Food/Wine Pairing
Seafood platter. Roasted scallops, kumquats, and pomegranate with coriander, accompanied by an apple, lemon, and ginger jus. "Aguachile" seabass tartare, kiwi, cucumber. John Dory ceviche, pomegranate, olive oil, and lemon. Lentil dahl, minted yogurt. Lemon sorbet.
[Information provided by Piper Heidsieck Champagne]