Rosé des Riceys: Louis XIV's Secret

The ONLY still rosé in Champagne. 50,000 bottles per year from the entire appellation. Louis XIV's stonemasons building Versailles brought this wine to the king's attention. The 'Goût des Riceys' - winemakers voluntarily stop fermentation at the exact moment of perfect taste, sacrificing volume for quality. Only 15-20 producers make it. Not every year.

What to do there

4 things to do

1. 1 Taste the "Goût des Riceys" Wine · Price: moderate

   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) Wine · Price: moderate

   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 Wine · Price: moderate · Optional

   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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Insider tips

• This is NOT champagne - it's a still rosé with its own AOC

• Only 15-20 producers make it, not every year

• Olivier Horiot and Alexandre Bonnet are the quality leaders

• Alexandre Bonnet also makes the "7 Cépages" project with all 7 permitted varieties

• The wine ages beautifully - ask about older vintages

• Book ahead - these are tiny family operations, not tourist setups

• "Goût des Riceys" is pronounced goo day ree-say