Louis Roederer : Cristal 2006

An exceptional champagne, balanced and very pure

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

2006 was a particularly hot year, marked by significant water-related shifts. Although August was cool and rainy, the dry and warm conditions in September accelerated the ripening process. The grapes were harvested at full maturity and were rich and complex.

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 2006 by Louis Roederer comprises a blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay.

Cristal 2006 by Louis Roederer: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

This champagne showcases a glimmering colour, with slightly amber highlights. The muffled and regular effervescence suggests a high quality and beautiful maturity.

Nose

On the nose, this Louis Roederer Cristal 2006 is intense and rich. Notes of candied fruit (orange, lemon) and white flowers (lily) blend with fragrances of lightly toasted dried fruit (hazelnut, almond).

Palate

Ample and complex, the palate is seduced by this wine’s incredibly concentrated texture, its fruity depth and its utterly pure freshness. A deliciously delicate and light balance. Ripeness and sweetness are sustained by freshness and minerality. The impression of a harmonious whole dominates with these perfectly-integrated and precise aromas.