Louis Roederer : Cristal 2016

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of Cristal 2016 by Louis Roederer

Tasting

Appearance
Brilliant, the appearance displays a beautiful golden yellow hue. The effervescence is lively and exceptionally fine.

Nose
The bouquet is intense, deep, and highly precise, revealing delicate aromas of white flowers such as acacia, mingled with notes of concentrated and roasted citrus, notably lemon, as well as nuances of perfectly ripe yellow fruits like peach and mirabelle plum. After a few moments of aeration, subtle iodized, powdery, and finely toasted hints emerge, reflecting the effect of yeast autolysis during aging and bringing complexity and depth to this wine.

Palate
On the palate, the attack is immediate, soft, and delicate, marked by a sabayon of ripe, juicy fruits. The effervescence is fine, integrated, and almost saline. Notes of harvest and oyster shell give way to a powdery texture, slightly chocolaty. Cristal 2016 is remarkably pure, combining finesse and concentration with outstanding elegance.

An exceptional champagne combining concentration and freshness

The estate

Founded in 1776 in Reims, the Louis Roederer Champagne House has remained family-owned and independent. After more than 200 years, the Louis Roederer House is still in the hands of the same family. Now led by Frédéric Rouzaud, representing the seventh generation of the lineage, the Louis Roederer House embodies the excellence of Champagne wines worldwide through cuvées crafted as true works of art.

The vineyard

With nearly 241 hectares of vines, the Louis Roederer House draws its strength from its extraordinary vineyard, composed exclusively of Grands and Premiers Crus in the Vallée de la Marne, the Montagne de Reims, and the Côte des Blancs. A true mosaic of terroirs, the Louis Roederer House vineyard is divided into 410 plots, allowing it to reflect the full diversity of soils in Champagne.

The wine

An iconic cuvée of the Champagne House, first created in 1876 for the Tsar of Russia, Cristal is crafted from 45 exceptional lieux-dits, spread across 7 Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne, and the Côte des Blancs.

The vintage

Cristal 2016 follows in the footsteps of remarkable vintages. Born from a late year marked by the intense heat of a scorching summer and enhanced by the richness of a unique chalky terroir, this vintage reveals a rare balance.

Winemaking and aging

Vineyard work is guided by increasingly virtuous viticultural practices that ensure perfect balance and superb grape maturity. Vinification is carried out in oak for 31%. No malolactic fermentation. The dosage of this Brut champagne is 7 grams per liter.

Blend

Pinot noir (58%)
Chardonnay (42%)