Champagne Deutz - Rosé Millésimé 2016

Following the 2022 harvest—which will be remembered as exceptional for the quality of its grapes—Michel Davesne is handing over the reins of the winery to Caroline Latrive, though the core values of this fine Aÿ estate, founded in 1838, remain unchanged. Most of the grapes are sourced from within a 30-kilometer radius of Épernay; the three grape varieties take center stage, and winemaking takes place in stainless-steel tanks, as does the aging of the reserve wines. The lineup is well-structured, though the non-vintage rosé could benefit from more depth. We particularly enjoy the Blanc de Blancs, the “Amour” cuvée, and, of course, the “William Deutz” and “Hommage à William Deutz.”

Originally from Aachen, wine merchants William Deutz and Pierre-Hubert Geldermann founded this prestigious house in 1838. Long a family-owned business, the company became part of the Roederer Group in 1993. Renowned for its meticulous blends (30 to 40 different crus for its Classic Brut), it owns 46 hectares of vineyards and sources its grapes from a limited radius of 30 km around the grand cru Aÿ, in the Grande Vallée de la Marne. In 2023, Fabrice Rosset, after 26 years as president of the house, stepped down in favor of Marc Hoellinger, while Michel Davesne, upon his retirement, handed over the reins of the cellar to Caroline Latrive, who came from Ayala.

The 2016 Brut Rosé, with its Pinot character, is more textured and creamy. A fine achievement that concludes with a savory finish.

This authentic estate, part of the Rouzaud family (Louis Roederer champagnes), is carving out its own path and establishing the consistency of its lineup through a well-defined, precise, and full-bodied style. In a minor revolution, Marc Hoellinger, a former LVMH executive, succeeded Fabrice Rosset, who had led the house for a quarter of a century. As the owner of a significant portfolio of Champagne vineyards—particularly in the Montagne de Reims—Deutz continues to produce champagnes true to their terroir of origin, dominated by Pinot and characterized as classic, elegant, deep, and straightforward. Each year, the house produces a superb Brut Classic—precise and structured, with fine bubbles. A master of black grapes, Deutz also excels with its Blanc de Blancs, “Amour de Deutz,” a wine that is both refined and invigorating. As with the previous vintage, the rosés are subtle and perfectly balanced. We are pleased to note that the rest of the lineup holds its own.

A complex nose of apricot, very ripe melon, and persimmon, with hints of coffee and dark chocolate. An impressive vintage rosé champagne, even though it is only moderately full-bodied. A wonderful balance between structure, creaminess, and mineral acidity. A long, very clean finish. Ready to drink now or worth cellaring.