WHAT

Pinot Noir

WHERE

Champagne, France

WHEN

NV

Taisne Riocour is a family-run house out of Les Riceys, deep in the Côte des Bar — the southernmost stretch of Champagne, closer to Burgundy than to Reims. They farm organically, harvest by hand, and make wines that taste like they come from somewhere specific. This one does.

The Rosé de Saignée is 100% Pinot Noir from the Tronchois plot, vinified by letting the juice sit briefly on the skins before bleeding it off — that's what gives it that deep, serious color and the fruit to back it up. Pink flowers, wild strawberry, currants, and cherries on the nose. Lively and generous on the palate, with just enough dosage to keep it balanced without sweetening it up.

Three years aging in the cellar before release. It's the kind of Champagne you open for dinner, not just as an opener.