Andre Clouet Spiritum Vintage 1996 Rosé 750ml

An extremely rare and much lauded release of of the iconic vintage of 1996 is Spiritum from maison Andre Clouet. This is a limited release and one worthy of snapping up!  This is a crazy price for a 1996 vintage. Don't hesitate.  In search of new rosé champagne magic with more depth of aroma, this Spiritum 96 was created after long experimentation in the atelier in Bouzy. Rosés are usually enjoyed while they are still young and fresh. With the rosé champagne Spiritum 96 Grand Cru, JeanFrançois/André Clouet have succeeded in bringing complexity and fullness, which are usually only achieved after a very long ageing, and the freshness and youthfulness of a rosé into perfect balance. The key element for this marriage is a large proportion of Pinot Noir grapes from different vintages and 3% Liqueur de millésime 1996, which means that 3% "dosage" of the great 1996 vintage has been added to this rosé champagne. The "dosage" is the final touch in the production of a champagne and has an influence on the style and determines the sweetness level of a sparkling wine. The unique Clouet Spiritum 96 combines the essence of a great vintage with the freshness and liveliness of a youthful rosé. Composition: 88% Pinot Noir, 9% Rouge de Bouzy 1999 (red wine), 3% Liqueur de millesimé 1996 (Liqueur Spiritum 96).   About the house A winemaking family of more than 2 centuries, the founder was a printer in Louis XV's court of Versailles and the wines are cellared under the family’s 17th century village house. The style of the labels reflects their heritage. Bouzy and Ambonnay are the epicentre of pinot noir in Champagne, and the Clouet family is the privileged custodian of eight hectares of estate vines in the best middle slopes of both villages. These are rich and concentrated expressions of pinot noir, wines of deep complexity, multifaceted interest and engaging character, yet with remarkable restraint and sense of control. Tasting after tasting confirm my impression that this small and relatively unknown grower ranks high among Champagne’s finest practitioners of pinot noir – and represents one of the best value of all.