Louis Roederer : Cristal 2004

A champagne with an alluring minerality and aromatic richness

The property

Founded in 1776 in Reims, Louis Roederer is a Champagne House that has managed to remain family-owned and independent. After more than 200 years of existence, the Louis Roederer House is still owned by the same family. Now led by Frédéric Rouzaud, who represents the seventh generation of the family's lineage, Louis Roederer boasts and embodies the excellence of Champagne around the world, through cuvées crafted like works of art.

The vineyard

With nearly 241 hectares of vines, the Louis Roederer House derives its strength from its extraordinary vineyard, made up solely of Grands and Premiers Crus in the Marne Valley, the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. A veritable mosaic of terroirs, the Maison Louis Roederer vineyard is divided into 410 plots, reflecting the great diversity of the Champagne region's soils.

The wine

The House's iconic cuvée, first created in 1876 for the Tsar of Russia, Cristal is made from 45 exceptional vineyards, spread over 7 Grands Crus of the Montagne de Reims, the Marne Valley and the Côte des Blancs.

The vintage

The year 2004 was marked by cool temperatures and water stress despite a rainy and cool month of August. The dry and sunny conditions during the month of September were ideal for refining the ripeness. The harvested grapes combine balance and freshness.

Vinification and ageing

The vinification is carried out in oak for 20% of the grapes and is accompanied by weekly stirring of the lees. No malolactic fermentation. This exceptional cuvée benefits from an average of 5 years of ageing in the cellars and an 8-month settling period after disgorgement. The dosage is between 8 and 10 g/l depending on the vintage.

The blend

Cristal 2004 by Louis Roederer comprises a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay.

Cristal 2004 by Louis Roederer: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

Cristal 2004 is a brilliant pale yellow colour with delicate amber hues. The extremely fine bubbles offer a sustained effervescence.

Nose

The first nose exudes a surprising and remarkably intense bouquet, revealing aromas of white fruit and citrus, all highlighted by a brilliant minerality. On the second nose, more candied notes with toasted accents appear through very fine and fourmet aromas.

Palate

On the palate, Cristal 2004 offers a remarkably smooth nectar, characterised by a full attack with flavours of juicy yellow fruit. A nice minerality comes in between, giving a certain harmony to the bouquet.