Louis Roederer : Cristal 2013

The delicacy and aromatic richness of a vintage champagne by Louis Roederer

The estate

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

The vineyard

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

The wine

This iconic cuvée of the house, created for the first time 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, Vallée de la Marne, and Côte des Blancs.

The vintage

2013 is memorable for its particularly late cycle. A long winter was followed by a gloomy and hesitant spring. Full flowering was only reached in early July, a rare occurrence in Champagne.

Ideal summer conditions, combining radiant sunshine, high temperatures, and low rainfall, favored the optimal ripening of the berries. Harvested in the coolness of autumn, the grapes gave birth to an elegant and beautifully fresh 2013 vintage champagne.

Winemaking and aging

Vinification is carried out in oak for 32% of the wine. The dosage of this Champagne Cristal 2013 by Louis Roederer is 8g/liter.

Blend

Pinot Noir (60%) and Chardonnay (40%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for Cristal 2013 by Louis Roederer

Tasting

Appearance

The appearance is golden, adorned with subtle luminous highlights.

Nose

Powerful and complex, the nose combines aromas of yellow fruits (mirabelle plum), juicy and ripe fruits (nectarine), citrus zest (candied orange), and finely roasted dried fruits (hazelnut). The nose captivates with its powdery impression, both sweet, chalky, and elegant.

Palate

Soft and generous, the palate delights with its delicately vibrant effervescence, offering suave, dense, and juicy nuances to the palate.

A true reflection of its exceptional terroir, this cuvée is marked by its chalky freshness. Energetic and flavorful, the sweetness enhances the precision of this palate, which harmoniously combines elegance and power. Tannins of rare finesse blend deliciously with a lingering, saline finish.