The Champagne Mouzon-Leroux L'Incandescent Rosé de Saignée 2018 (Disg. Oct 2022) is a strikingly individual and deeply expressive grower Champagne from one of the Montagne de Reims’ most exciting biodynamic estates. Produced by Sébastien Mouzon in the Grand Cru village of Verzy, the wine is crafted entirely from Pinot Noir grown on chalk-rich parcels in the lieu-dit Les Cumaines. Unlike most rosé Champagnes made by blending white and red wine, L’Incandescent is produced via the traditional saignée method, with around 16 hours of skin maceration before pressing — a demanding technique that gives the wine its dramatic colour, vinous depth and layered complexity. The wine spent approximately 30 months on lees before disgorgement in October 2022 and was finished with an ultra-low dosage of just 1.5g/L, preserving its remarkable purity and tension.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with fine, gentle mousse, vibrant acidity and a beautifully vinous texture. Layers of wild strawberry, raspberry, cranberry and rosehip unfold alongside notes of blood orange, spice, dried herbs and chalky minerality, finishing long, savoury and saline with impressive freshness and structure. Critics have praised its individuality and depth, with Mike Bennie describing it as “unique, distinct, great,” highlighting flavours of raspberry kombucha, rosehip tea, cinnamon spice and sea spray minerality.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2018 Mouzon-Leroux L'Incandescent Rosé de Saignée is a superb grower Champagne rosé — vinous, savoury and beautifully mineral with extraordinary personality and gastronomic versatility. Perfect with charcuterie, duck, tuna tartare, mushroom dishes or richly flavoured seafood. Enjoy now or cellar comfortably through 2035+.
