Pol Roger’s Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2015 is a prestigious Champagne, crafted as a tribute to the British statesman who was both an admirer of the house and a devotee of its wines. This cuvée is produced only in the best vintages and embodies the boldness, complexity, and elegance for which Churchill was renowned. The blend is a closely guarded secret, yet it traditionally features a dominance of Pinot Noir, lending the wine structure, depth, and ageing potential, while the remainder is Chardonnay, providing finesse and vibrancy. The 2015 vintage itself was marked by generous sunshine, resulting in grapes of great ripeness and concentration, which manifests in a Champagne with rich fruit notes, balanced by a beautifully integrated acidity. Extended maturation on lees within the Pol Roger cellars—often well beyond the legal minimum—allows Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill to display biscuity, toasted nuances alongside hints of citrus, stone fruits, and subtle nutty undertones.
Champagne as a region is unique, shaped by its northerly latitude and cool continental climate, which preserves the refreshing acidity crucial for top-quality sparkling wine. The soils are predominantly chalk and limestone, imparting a distinctive minerality and tension to the wines. The region’s history is intertwined with the development of sparkling wine techniques in the 17th and 18th centuries, and houses like Pol Roger exemplify traditional craftsmanship, with family ownership and a long heritage of producing wines of refinement and distinction.
Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 2015 is an exceptional gastronomic Champagne and deserves thoughtful pairings. Its depth and complexity complement refined dishes such as poached lobster with beurre blanc, salt-baked turbot, or poultry in a light truffle cream sauce. More adventurous pairings might include regional specialities like Chaource or Langres cheeses from Champagne or classic French caviar service. For a British nod, try it with lightly smoked salmon or Dover sole à la meunière.
For serving, chilling the bottle to 10-12°C is ideal. This temperature preserves freshness and effervescence, while allowing the full aromatic spectrum and creamy texture to emerge. Consider using a fine flute or white wine glass to concentrate the aromas and admire its persistent mousse. Decanting is generally unnecessary, but allowing the wine a few minutes in the glass will reward you with increased complexity.
