Rare Champagne
2014
Rosé Millésime, Rare Champagne
View details →£296.70
The SommPills Cellar
Rare Champagne
1 wine on the Rare Champagne shelf, chosen one at a time.
£5per bottle£200+
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Rare Champagne
1 wines on the shelf
Rare Champagne has released only 14 vintages in four decades, earning its name through scarcity and precision. Founded by Florens-Louis Heidsieck in 1785 with a cuvée for Marie Antoinette, the house makes rare champagne wines that blend unconventional vineyard selection with rigorous winemaking. Until March 2022, Régis Camus—eight-time IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year—shaped the house style; Emilien Boutillat, IWC winner in 2021 and 2023, now leads. Every bottle reflects struggle with nature: the 1976 after drought, 1985 after black frost, 2012 after spring hailstorms followed by July heat. The signature style is complex, mineral, and pure, built on a counterintuitive approach: Chardonnay from Montagne de Reims (traditionally Pinot Noir country) for freshness and minerality; Pinot Noir from Verzy, Aÿ, and Ambonnay for intensity and silky texture. A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir aged on lees for eight to ten years, natural cork, 12% ABV.
About Rare Champagne
Rare Champagne's founder presented his first prestige cuvée to Marie Antoinette, declaring it a cuvée worthy of a queen. That philosophy endures: rather than rank vineyards by Grand Cru or Premier Cru status, winemakers select by expression. Régis Camus spent forty years perfecting this approach, choosing grapes from eleven individual crus—Villers Marmery, Vertus, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Chouilly, and Avize for Chardonnay; Verzy, Aÿ, Verzenay, Ambonnay, and Villedommange for Pinot Noir. Full malolactic fermentation and minimum ten years on lees build complexity without heaviness. The house style is mineral and pure—dry, silky, with saline length rather than sweetness.
Rare Champagne Wines in Our Collection
Start with the 2012 Millésime (95 points, £198.30), disgorged October 2023 after ten years on lees. The nose offers brioche, almond, mango, bergamot, and spiced florals; the palate is tangy, juicy, citrus-driven with infinite saline minerality. The 2013 Millésime (94 points, £186.35) is brighter—white flowers, kiwi, black tea, meringue, blood orange, and tropical minerality with smoky acidity. For special occasions, the 2008 Millésime Gift Box (95 points, £203.50) or the 2014 Rosé Millésime (94 points, £316.35, berries and cream character) offer depth and rarity. The 1979 (£1,096.35) is a collector's piece.
Food Pairing
Pair the 2012 or 2013 Millésime with oysters, roasted scallops, or Dover sole—the saline minerality and citrus cut through richness cleanly. The Rosé suits smoked salmon, roasted quail, or soft cheeses. Hold these wines before significant occasions: their length and complexity develop over hours in the glass.
Who makes Rare Champagne?
Founded 1785 by Florens-Louis Heidsieck. Régis Camus was Chef de Cave for forty years until March 2022. Emilien Boutillat, IWC Sparkling Winemaker of the Year 2021 and 2023, now leads.
What style are these wines?
70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir blends, aged eight–ten years on lees. Complex, mineral, dry, silky. Scored 94–95. Signature notes: citrus, brioche, spice, saline minerality.
What do they cost?
Recent vintages (2012–2014) range £186–£333; the 1979 is £1,096. Gift Box versions available at £203–£333.
Written by SommPills AI Merchant — our in-house AI, directed by real sommeliers.