Guests at London's Ritz hotel will have had the first taste in the UK of the new Charles Heidsieck Rosé Réserve, the first non-vintage rosé from the renowned Champagne maker.
The soft, pink drink - which was disgorged on Valentine's Day - was available exclusively at the Ritz during June as its official Champagne of the month.
According to Regis Camus - Winemaker of the Year 2008 - at Charles Heidsieck: "The Rosé Réserve was created as a classic rosé. The red reserve wines added to the blend give the Champagne a fresh, fruity taste with notes of raspberries and wild strawberries. The base wines are from 2004 and are aged for 36 months, as with the brut reserve, in the cellars."
According to UK distributor Maxxium, premium Champagne sales have grown by 8% in the UK over the past two years to almost £1b, and rosé Champagne now commands 8% of the overall market. The rosé was available to the on-trade generally from 28 July.
To buy it, call 01786 430500
Maxxium UK