Champagne Louis Roederer - Champagne - Cristal - White - 2016

Wine:

Born from a year of contrasting weather, with a cool spring and scorching summer, the Roederer Cristal 2016 stands out for its impeccable balance. Sourced from 32 parcels across the renowned crus of Verzenay, Verzy, Beaumont-sur-Vesle, Aÿ, Avize, Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Cramant, this Cristal blends 58% Pinot Noir, delivering rich, juicy fruit flavors, with Chardonnay bringing a chalky, saline freshness. The nose reveals aromas of white flowers, candied citrus, and stone fruits, along with subtle hints of iodine and toasted notes from extended lees aging. On the palate, it’s strikingly soft and accessible, with concentrated flavors of ripe, juicy fruit—an exceptional showcase of the vintage’s Pinot Noir—offering a refined, silky texture. Gradually, notes of harvest wheat and oyster shell emerge from the slow-ripened Chardonnays, adding complexity. The texture is delicately structured, with a fine, chocolatey grain. Perfectly balanced with crisp, saline, and slightly iodized notes, it finishes long, chalky, and crystalline, building beautifully. Its potential is immense, with a Parker rating of 97/100.

Vinification:

Hand harvested, grapes mainly from the following crus: Mesnil-sur-Oger, Cramant, Verzenay, Verzy, Beaumont-sur-Veyle, Ay, Avize. No malolactic fermentation and ageing in oak barrels for 31% of the wines.

Dosage: 7g/l.

Color:

Luminous golden yellow with delicate bubbles.

Nose:

Intense, precise, and layered, with aromas of white flowers, citrus, and ripe stone fruits.

Palate:

Smooth and delicate on the palate, this cuvée reveals perfect balance, with a texture that is both crisp and saline, culminating in a chalky, crystalline finish.

Temperature:

Serve between 8 and 10°C.

Food and wine pairing:

Aperitif with caviar blinis or salmon roe, shellfish, slipper lobster, lobster or grilled lobster, salt-crusted sea bass, capon stuffed with morel mushrooms or poultry demi-deuil, endless combinations...

Cellar aging:

From now until 2035 and beyond for enthusiasts

A benchmark of Champagne excellence, Louis Roederer embodies the height of refinement in Champagne craftsmanship. Still family-owned and managed by a direct descendant of its founders, it is one of the few remaining independent houses.

Louis Roederer has long focused on sustainable viticulture, adopting organic farming and gentle practices early on to preserve vineyard heritage and promote genetic diversity. More than half of its 250 hectares are now certified organic, with additional methods inspired by permaculture.

This uncompromising commitment to quality and flavor through innovative practices is explored in-depth in the latest issue of our Racines magazine, which dedicates a feature to this exceptional Champagne house.