Louis Roederer : Cristal 2009

A harmonious Champagne wine with a beautiful purity

The property

Founded in 1776 in Reims, Louis Roederer is a Champagne House that has managed to remain family-owned and independent. After more than 200 years of existence, the Louis Roederer House is still owned by the same family. Now led by Frédéric Rouzaud, who represents the seventh generation of the family's lineage, Louis Roederer boasts and embodies the excellence of Champagne around the world, through cuvées crafted like works of art.

The vineyard

With nearly 241 hectares of vines, the Louis Roederer House derives its strength from its extraordinary vineyard, made up solely of Grands and Premiers Crus in the Marne Valley, the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. A veritable mosaic of terroirs, the Maison Louis Roederer vineyard is divided into 410 plots, reflecting the great diversity of the Champagne region's soils.

The wine

The House's iconic cuvée, first created in 1876 for the Tsar of Russia, Cristal is made from 45 exceptional vineyards, spread over 7 Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims, the Marne Valley and the Côte des Blancs.

The vintage

The particularly cold and dry winter gave way to very mild conditions, marked by a lot of sunshine and very little rainfall in August and September. The vineyard is remarkably healthy. Harvested at full maturity, the grapes give rise to a dense, fruity and flavoursome champagne which harmoniously blends a sun-drenched expression with an exceptional purity.

Vinification and ageing

The vinification, of which 16% is carried out in oak, is accompanied by weekly stirring of the lees. No malolactic fermentation. This exceptional cuvée benefits from an average of 6 years of ageing in the cellars and an 8-month settling period after disgorgement. The dosage is 8 g/litre.

The blend

Cristal 2009 by Louis Roederer comprises a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay.

Cristal 2009 by Louis Roederer: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

The colour is a beautiful golden yellow, with matte and amber highlights. The effervescence is lengthy, lively and delicate.

Nose

Subtle and concentrated, the nose reveals notes of citrus compote, candied apricots and honeysuckle. When aerated, the bouquet gains in complexity through delicious fragrances of cocoa beans, roasted hazelnuts and subtle hints of liquorice and cinnamon.

Palate

Delicate and lively, the palate is seduced by this champagne’s dense and ripe flavours, its silky feel and its refreshing minerality.