Tuesday Tasting: Champagne Lanson Brut Rose

Tuesday Tasting is a regular feature of Lyke2Drink that explores some of the best beers, wines and spirits on the market. This week we sample a sparkling rose from the Champagne region.

Champagne Lanson is a 252-year-old house that is relatively unknown in U.S. markets. Based in Reims, the brand has long been one of the top sellers in the United Kingdom. In addition to the Rose, Lanson Black Label Brut, Ivory Label Demi Sec and Gold Label Brut 2002 are being imported in the U.S.

Lanson Brut Rose is a pale pink color that has a flowery aroma. The flavor of this non-vintage Champagne has a fresh berry edge with an attractive level of acidity. Lanson uses 32 percent Chardonnay, 53 percent Pinot Noir and 15 percent Pinot Meunier. It is aged for three years. The makers credit non-malolactic fermentation with producing a fruit driven sparkling wine. This wine retails for $60 a bottle.

Champagne: The Science Behind the Bubbles

More sparkling wine is purchased during this time of year than any other. Popping the cork on New Year's Eve is a well established tradition.

Thanks to the American Chemical Society's Bytesize Science video series we now know the bubbles that give Champagne its pop are just following Henry's Law. The video notes that more than 600 different chemical compounds join carbon dioxide in sparkling wine, helping to create the aroma and flavor.

Quoting a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, the video also suggests the best way to pour a glass of Champagne to maximize the sensory experience is at an angle to retain up to twice as much carbon dioxide in the wine when compared to pouring down the middle of the glass.