Champagne Brut 'Cristal' Louis Roederer 2016

Maison Louis Roederer's Brut 'Cristal' Champagne is one of the most famous and prestigious vintage wines. The first version dates back to 1876 and was created especially for Tsar Alexander II, who wanted the Maison's best cuvée every year. To emphasise the exclusive character of this label, a crystal bottle was made, which gave its name to this extraordinary Champagne. Its elegant, refined and profound character is the result of a careful selection of the estate's best grapes and a very long maturing on the lees. A bottle to be enjoyed at the table on special occasions, to appreciate its gastronomic character.

Brut 'Cristal' is the Champagne that symbolises the prestige and allure of one of Champagne's most famous Maisons. The Louis Roederer brand was created in 1776 and still today represents not only an excellence of the region, but also one of the few independent Maisons that are still family-owned. It owns an estate of 240 hectares, divided into more than 400 plots, most of which are classified as Premier or Grand Cru. The cuvée is only made in the best vintages, when Pinot Noir and Chardonnay reach perfect ripeness and excellent aromatic intensity. The grapes come in equal parts from the Rivière vineyard, the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs vineyards, in particular from the Cru of Verzenay, Verzy, Beaumont-sur-Vesle, Ay, Avize, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Cramant. Each parcel is vinified separately and after soft pressing and fermentation, the base wines are matured for several months in wood, partially carrying out malolactic fermentation. They are then blended and undergo a second fermentation, which takes place in the bottle according to the Champenoise Method, with a 6-year stop on the lattes before dégorgement and final dosage.

The Louis Roederer 'Cristal' is a Brut Champagne that offers an unforgettable taste experience. It is one of the most sought-after labels by the great enthusiasts who wish to savour the level of the famous Maison's production. To the eye, it is a luminous gold colour with brilliant reflections. A delicate, subtle and persistent perlage brings to the nose intense aromas of candied citrus peel, ripe yellow fruit, floral nuances, soft hints of bread crust and small pastries, hints of almonds and toasted nuts. Harmonious and rich, it presents itself on the palate with a creamy and velvety texture, with ample ripe fruit, enhanced by mineral and chalky nuances typical of the terroir. The finish is very persistent, with savoury sensations, accompanied by a clear citrus freshness.