Rosé des Riceys: Louis XIV's Secret

How to Complete

4 steps curated by Wine Memories

1. 🍷 1

   Taste the "Goût des Riceys"

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   The "Goût des Riceys" is the specific taste winemakers aim for - when they deliberately stop fermentation at the perfect moment. It's unique, mineral, not like any other rosé, and you can taste it at Olivier Horiot or Alexandre Bonnet domaine in Les Riceys. Book ahead (contact@horiot.fr or +33 3 25 29 32 16 for Horiot) and ask to compare Rosé des Riceys with their champagne rosé.

   🔄 BACKUP: If neither available, try Morel Père et Fils or Guy de Forez.

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2. 📜 2

   Ask About the Louis XIV Story

   history Free

   Stonemasons from Les Riceys worked on Versailles in the 1660s-1680s. They brought their local wine. Louis XIV tasted it and demanded more. The reputation was made. During your tasting at the domaine, ask your host to tell the Louis XIV story - every producer knows it, it's the founding legend.

   🔄 BACKUP: Research the story beforehand if your French isn't strong enough for the telling.

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3. 🍷 3

   Buy a Bottle (While You Can)

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   Only 50,000 bottles per year total. Not made every vintage. At the domaine shop after your tasting, you'll find bottles for €25-40 versus €50+ in Paris (if you can find it). This is rare wine - buy at least one bottle and ask about older vintages if collecting, as prices rise with age.

   🔄 BACKUP: If sold out, ask which other producers in Les Riceys still have bottles.

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4. 🍷 4

   Compare with Their Champagne Rosé

   Optional

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   Most Riceys producers also make champagne, including rosé champagne. Tasting both side by side during your visit shows how the same grapes become completely different wines. Ask for a comparative tasting - the cost is usually included in the tasting fee.

   🔄 BACKUP: If they don't offer comparison, buy a bottle of each.

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