Rare Millésime 2013 expresses the house’s signature, blending minerality with a tropical twist, in two stages. 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.

THE VINTAGE

After a cold winter and spring punctuated by chaotic downpours, summer brought a mixture of sun, drought and thunderstorms. A brutal change in weather conditions took place in September: a chilly autumn exacerbated by strong winds, which forced the harvest to begin late, in October.

TASTING NOTES

On the eye: The effervescence of Rare Millésime 2013 is tinged with an intensely bright, light golden color.

On the nose: 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. On the second nose, 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: The dual personality of Rare Millésime 2013 is confirmed in the mouth: smooth and vibrant, indulgent and dynamic. Its full-bodied attack reveals hints of meringue, whipped cream and marzipan. Kumquat, blood orange and kiwi then provide a refreshing tonicity. On the finish, the comforting texture of Rare Millésime 2013 appears as an aromatic and smoky indulgence punctuated by a freshness and a subtle bitterness. Rare Champagne’s iconic signature of tropic minerality is expressed differently in Rare Millésime 2013, extended by a plump and prolonged aftertaste.

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 dal, minted yogurt. Lemon sorbet