Totem Rosé Brut

The Totem Rosé Brut from Champagne Alexis sets spice and subtle fruity sweetness against a coolly poised minerality. A precisely built rosé Champagne with drive and definition, its freshness carried by citrus notes.

Champagne Alexis farms ten hectares spread across 40 parcels in Troissy, Vandières and the Grand Cru Aÿ, at the heart of the Vallée de la Marne. In Troissy, Pinot Meunier is the dominant grape — often underrated and here given its due; the Pinot Noir comes from the Grand Cru Aÿ.

A classic cuvée of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Each of the 40 parcels is fermented separately, in oak barrels, concrete tanks, old foudres or reclining clay eggs. Spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts is standard, malolactic fermentation is avoided, and dosage stays low. Planting, racking and disgorgement follow the phases of the moon. Disgorged in November 2024, 5 g/l dosage, 12.0% vol.

The nose shows bright red berries and brioche, alongside floral and herbal notes and a pronounced, coolly poised minerality. On the palate the wine opens with spice, followed by fine fruit and a subtle fruity sweetness that never obscures its clarity.

Just as convincing as an aperitif as with dishes featuring fruity and earthy components.

Alexis Leconte returned to Troissy in 2013 after stints in Alsace and Burgundy, took over his father Xavier's estate and began the conversion to biodynamics. In 2015 he founded his own project alongside the family estate Xavier Leconte, which has existed since 1870: six generations, this time with a lunar calendar in the cellar and amphorae alongside oak barrels.