La Vie en Rose: The Rosé & Champagne Experience
Pour, Sip, and Explore the Radiant Artistry of French Rosé.
While many see Rosé as a simple summer refreshment, its true depth lies in its diverse winemaking styles. Join us for an evening dedicated to exploring the palette of pinks, where we’ll journey from the prestige of Champagne to the sun-baked vineyards of the South to uncover the techniques and terroir that define France’s most versatile wines.
The Deep Dive: The Elegance of Pink Champagne
We begin at the pinnacle of effervescence. We’ll deconstruct the artistry behind Rosé Champagne—exploring the delicate balance of red fruit and structured elegance. We’ll compare the two distinct methods of creation: the traditional Assemblage (blending) and the rare, bold Saignée (bleeding) technique used by the most daring houses.
The Discovery: A Journey of Craft & Style
Once we’ve mastered the bubbles, we’ll expand our horizons across France’s most iconic regions. This is a true stylistic comparison, moving past a single shade of pink to explore how skin contact and grape variety change the character of the glass. Our flight features:
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Cru Classé de Provence: The gold standard of elegance. Sophisticated, bone-dry, and estate-grown in the most prestigious soils of the South.
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Tavel: Known as the "King of Rosés." A deep, structured wine from the Rhône—robust enough to rival a light red.
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Clairet de Bordeaux: A historical "missing link." Darker and richer than a typical Rosé, this Bordeaux specialty offers a unique, berry-forward intensity.
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Cabernet d’Anjou: The sweet side of the Loire. A lush, medium-sweet delight that showcases how balanced acidity and fruit can create a unique tasting profile.
What to Expect
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A Curated Flight: Taste 6 hand-selected wines, ranging from prestigious Champagne houses to unique "Cru Classés" and bold regional gems.
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Expert Guidance: Learn how to "read" the color of a wine to predict its taste, the secrets of skin-contact maceration, and why a darker hue doesn't always mean a sweeter wine.
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Technical Insights: Master the differences between regions and understand the impact of various winemaking methods on the final personality of the wine.
Whether you’re a Rosé devotee or a curious novice looking to understand the craft behind the color, this event is designed to celebrate the sophisticated diversity of the pink pour.
Tickets are limited—secure yours today and let’s raise a glass to the French Art de Vivre!
Registration opens 23 April.
Further information: Due to the upfront costs of the event, Payment is required on booking to secure your spot.
Please note: refunds are available up to two weeks in advance of the event. After 9 June, refunds are still available but only if your spot can be replaced by someone on the waiting list.
About the Instructors:
A native of Bordeaux, Elisabeth Iriart started her career in the wine business for Bordeaux wine merchants, where she developed her knowledge and love of wine.
She earned her WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) diploma and started her own business in Paris in 2011. She leads tasting classes and training for WSET in wines (Levels 2 and 3), as well as in spirits (Levels 1 and 2). In 2012 she was certified as a Cognac Educator for the BNIC (National Office of Cognac), and in 2017 she was certified as a Bordeaux wine educator for the Bordeaux Wine School. She currently works all over France in the area of wine and spirit education.
Elisabeth will be supported by Felicity Pritchard-Witts, who some may know from her Development role at WICE. Felicity passed her WSET Level 3 in wines in June 2024 and is now studying for her French Scholar qualification.
