Miniere F & R Champagne Influence Brut Rose NV

To say that Frederic and Rodolphe Miniere are focused on making only the highest quality Champagne would be an understatement. With almost eight hectares of land in Hermonville, they are purposefully limiting their production to the best and oldest vines isolated from only two hectares. They are also choosing to barrel age their wines entirely in oak barrels and releasing vintage specific cuvees only after years of sur lie aging. On average, their Champagnes are spending six or more years in barrel. (They didn't release their first vintage till 2014!)

Frederic worked with Anselme Selosse for two harvests in the late 90s. It was then that Fred fell in love with barrel aged Champagne and saw the benefits of organic viticulture. At the time, he was in the middle of his oenology studies. This experience was formative for him and it convinced him to bottle Champagnes under his family name. This dream would not be realized until 2007 when his father retired and the two brothers were able to chart a new course for the domaine. 

The Influence is a blend of 20% Pinot Noir, 40% Pinot Meunier and 20% Chardonnay with 20% of reserve wines. 30% of the blend is vinified in barrels less than four years old with the remainder put in barrels that are over five years old. The wine is aged for 4 years in bottle on its lees and dosage is 8 grams per liter.