NV J. Dumangin Fils Rose Brut Premier Cru Champagne 750 ml

In the opinion of Tyson Stelzer — one of the most respected Champagne experts around the globe and author of the authoritative “The Champagne Guide” — this piercing Dumangin Rosé Brut Premier Cru is the best Champagne under $60. “Never has a champagne rosé at this price exuded such elegance and glorious charm,” declared Stelzer in his soaring 94-point appraisal. “Rose petals and subtle notes of cherry waft through the bouquet and palate … perfect!” Tellingly, we were only able to secure a small allocation, despite Dumangin dedicating over half its production to the rosé Champagne, due to popularity. Under the radar in the States but considered pure gold among connoisseurs and collectors, Dumangin was poured at Sir Paul McCartney’s wedding in 2011 and has been called “one of my favourite non-vintage fizzes” by Jancis Robinson. From the nestled Premier Cru slopes of Chigny-les-Roses, one of the world’s great rosé Champagnes for just $50? You bet.
 
The Dumangin clan has been growing grapes for centuries, beginning with Firmin Dumangin, born in Ludes in 1645. His descendant, fifth-generation winemaker Gilles Dumangin, calls this release “my signature wine.” He’s known for using a surprisingly high proportion of reserve wine in the house’s bubbly, sometimes upwards of 70%, lending depth and complexity to the freshness and precise cut that is synonymous with the Dumangin name.
 
Fruit was picked from 25-year-old Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier vines sourced in the illustrious Montagne de Reims region, which has the highest concentration of Grand Cru villages of any district in Champagne. Grapes are gently pressed, fermented in stainless steel, and then the wine rests on lees for 30 months prior to disgorging. Informed by five generations of winemaking in the region, dollar for dollar this is as good as pink Champagne gets.