Louis Roederer Cristal
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Top Vintages Produced: |
Louis Roederer Cristal: 1976, 1979, 1982, 1990, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2009
Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé: 1996, 2002, 2009
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Classification: |
Louis Roederer Cristal: Appellation Champagne Contrôlée
Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé: Appellation Champagne Contrôlée
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Varieties: |
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
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Wines Produced: |
Louis Roederer Cristal: Pinot Noir (55%), Chardonnay (45%)
Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé: Pinot Noir (60%), Chardonnay (40%)
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History
Founded in 1776, this magnificent champagne house was originally called Dubois Père et Fils
until 1833 when the business was acquired by Louis Roederer and renamed. Roederer quickly set about
expanding the business and conquering the markets of Germany, Hungary, Sweden and, in particular, Russia.
Roederer’s success was prolific and in 1872, under Louis Roederer II’s management, distribution reached 2.5
million bottles, accounting for 1/10th of the world’s champagne production.
In 1876 Tsar Alexander II requested that a special cuvée be created for his court and Roederer duly obliged,
creating what many regard to be the first prestige cuvée – Cristal. Originally a sweet blend, the champagne
was named Cristal due to the distinctive clear lead crystal glass in which the champagne was bottled.
In 1909, the House of Louis Roederer became the ‘Official Supplier to the Imperial Court of Russia’ – a business
coup that was later reversed with the deposition of the Tsar during the Revolution of 1917. However, the house
survived this setback and today Louis Roederer remains an independent family-owned business, managed by Roederer’s
descendant, Frédéric Rouzaud. (read more)
Viticulture and Vinification
Cristal is widely recognised as Louis Roederer’s finest champagne.
The Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes are grown on various plots of land in only the best vineyards of Verzenay,
Le Mesnil, Avize, Chouilly, Verzy, Aÿ and Mareuil. The various parcels of vines combine to total 214 ha, all of
which are owned by the House. The strictly controlled and hand-harvested yields are small, with only one bottle of
Champagne produced per vine.
Throughout Louis Roederer I’s management, large cellars were built in the heart of the Champagne region on the
Boulevard Lundy in Reims. These are still in use today and a new cellar has been recently built by Rouzaud to
accommodate up to 9 million additional bottles.
Cristal is aged for 5 years on its lees and rests for a further 8 months before its release. This ageing
process allows the wine’s toasted aromas to develop, complementing the bouquet of citrus and white flowers.
In 1974, Jean-Claude Rouzaud launched Cristal Rosé, made from organically grown grapes from the finest of
the Aÿ vineyards. The saignée method is used to gently colour the wine before 20% of the wine is vinified in
oak barrels. Cristal Rosé rests on its lees for 6 years and then rested for a further 8 months after the
disgorgement process.
A dosage of between 8 and 10 g/l is added to each matured vintage of both Cristal Rosé and Cristal.
Classification
- Louis Roederer Cristal – Appellation Champagne Contrôlée
- Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé – Appellation Champagne Contrôlée
Varieties
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Only two of the grape varieties permitted for use in Champagne are used: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Wines produced:
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Louis Roederer Cristal – 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay.
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Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé – 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay.
Order top vintages of Louis Roderer Cristal
- Cristal 1999: (98 PR)
"One of the finest Champagnes I have ever brought to my lips..." – Pierre Rovani, The Wine Advocate
- Cristal 1982 : (98 AG)
"This towering, monumental wine possesses incredible vibrancy and delineation..." – Antonio Galloni,
The Wine Advocate
- Cristal Rosé 1996 : (96 AG)
"A heady display of sheer class..." – Antonio Galloni,
The Wine Advocate