Louis Roederer : Cristal Rose 2004

A precise and harmonious Cristal Rose Champagne by Louis Roederer

The property

Founded in 1776 in Reims, the Louis Roederer Champagne House has remained family-owned and independent. After more than 200 years of existence, the Louis Roederer House is still in the hands of the same family. Today led by Frédéric Rouzaud, who represents the seventh generation of the lineage, the Louis Roederer House embodies the excellence of Champagne wines around the world thanks to cuvées crafted like a work of art.

The vineyard

With nearly 241 hectares of vineyards, the Louis Roederer House draws its strength from its extraordinary vineyard, composed only of Grands and Premiers Crus in the Marne Valley, the Montagne de Reims, and the Côte des Blancs. A true mosaic of terroirs, the vineyard of the Louis Roederer House is divided into 410 plots that reflect all the diversity of the soils of the Champagne.

The wine

Cristal Rosé 2004 showcases a classic and generous vintage characterized by balanced quality and quantity. Despite not reaching the perfection of the 2002 vintage, 2004 benefitted from cool temperatures throughout the season and a significant reduction in rainfall (approximately 30%) during the growing cycle. A notably cool and wet August was followed by a warm and dry September, which greatly enhanced the grape maturation.

The vintage

The grapes were harvested starting September 20, achieving a "vintage" balance of maturity and freshness, despite occasionally high yields. The exceptional terroir of Aÿ, cultivated biodynamically, contributed to the grapes’ extraordinary fruit maturity and crystalline acidity.

Vinification and aging

This cuvée is crafted from a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, with 20% vinified in oak barrels. The saignée method is used following a cold maceration lasting 5 to 8 days. Cristal Rosé typically undergoes an average of 6 years of maturation in cellars, followed by an additional 8 months of resting after disgorgement. The dosage is tailored for each vintage, ranging between 8 and 10 g/l.

Blend

Pinot Noir (60%)
Chardonnay (40%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for Cristal Rosé 2004 by Roederer House

Tasting

Color
The wine exhibits a pastel pink color with brilliant, slightly orange reflections and fine, luminous bubbles that form a persistent cord.

Nose
The bouquet is delicate and subtle, revealing elegant red fruit notes (strawberry, fig), zesty citrus aromas (lemon and orange), and juicier hints of vine peach. The aromatic brightness is profound, with a slight sweetness.

Palate
On the palate, the attack is youthful, spring-like, and energetic, presenting a round, ample, and silky mouthfeel that is grounded by great mineral freshness. This mineral character is classic for Cristal Rosé, expressing the chalky and saline nature of the Aÿ terroir. The flavor profile continues with airy notes and exceptional aromatic purity, revealing the discreet power of this great cuvée. With aeration, traces of pastry, and lightly toasted dried fruits suggest a remarkable potential for evolution. Cristal Rosé 2004 exemplifies the pursuit of absolute elegance that inspires the creation of this cuvée, offering a moment of pure pleasure.