There was no doubt in mind when tasting this in the final weeks of 2022: it was my favorite Rosé Champagne for the entire year. While this always seems to happen when there’s virtually zero inventory available, I ensure it isn’t staged—that’s just the nature of Marguet’s highly limited, Grand Cru “village” cuvées. 

A blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Noir from Grand Cru Ambonnay, this fermented spontaneously in neutral barrels (including malo) and kept maturing in these vessels until the Summer of 2018. From here, Benoît transferred the wine into bottle via gravity and applied a crown cap. After four years of sur-lie aging, the champagne was disgorged. Zero sugar was added, and sulfur additions were nanoscopic at just 16 mg/l. 

This rosé will steal your breath, all while being vastly different than the “Shaman 18” that’s also on offer. Marguet’s 2017 “Ambonnay” shows a complete mastery of elegance and delicate texture with aromas and flavors of orange peel, grapefruit, melon peel, redcurrant, wild strawberry, and a pulsing backbone of crushed chalk. It has impeccable verve—both vertical and horizontal—that allows the refined, perfectly delineated fruits and minerals to reach every tastebud. Truly, a moving bottle of wine. Enjoy one now and your other beyond 2025.