Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
When Louis Roederer inherited the Champagne House in 1833 he took a visionary approach to enriching his vines, aiming to master every stage of the wine’s creation. Louis Roederer acquired some of Champagne’s Grand Cru vineyards as he believed all great wine depends on the quality of the soil. While other Houses bought their grapes, Louis Roederer nurtured his vineyards, familiarised himself with the specific characteristics of each parcel, and methodically acquired the finest land. Louis Roederer’s guiding principle was that all great wine depends on, is the quality of the soil, a passion for tradition and an astute vision of the future. The Louis Roederer House remains an independent, family-owned company and is now managed by the seventh generation of the lineage.

THE VINTAGE:
2015 was a hot and sunny year marked by episodes of heat and drought, relieved by some very welcome rain at the end of the summer which enabled the grapes to preserve all their freshness. These weather conditions gave rise to juicy, ripe and concentrated grapes with a perfect balance.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
Roederer owns 200 hectares from the finest villages of Ay, Verzenay, Vervy, Avize and Cramant where the plots rank between 95% and 100% on the official classification scale for the ‘crus’. The Champagne House source two thirds of their grape requirements from their own vineyards. A green harvest takes place in July, the vintage is harvested by hand. Roederer are unusual among the great Champagne Houses as they have a considerable commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture, comprising 22% of their holdings: 40 hectares are biodynamic and 15 hectares are organic. For the first time since 2002, this vintage is sourced from all 45 plots where the vines are over 20 years old and thus eligible for inclusion in the Cristal blend.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
Only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Roederer’s 10 most celebrated Crus are used in the production of this legendary cuvée. The grapes from 410 parcels are pressed on site and the resulting juices are preserved according to the parcel of origin. A precise selection process and plot by plot vinification ensures the orgins of the grapes. The contents of the 450 small stainless steel tanks are tasted daily and are classified into families of aromas, flavours and characteristics. This tasting and reclassification is ongoing as the wines gradually mature and develop their own characteristics. Cristal is only produced from truly great vintages in which the ripeness of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes provide the precise balance that distinguishes this cuvée.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
Powerful and complex, revealing aromas of yellow fruit, finely-roasted almonds and citrus fruits. Soft, juicy, with a chalky freshness- the palate is energetic and intense, giving the wine an elegant yet powerful texture and a sappy, saline finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Pinot Noir 60%, Chardonnay 40%.