The beauty of Cristal Champagne
Updated 01/04/2024
Louis Roederer Cristal – where to start? One of the most sought-after Champagnes in the world; the Champagne of kings, A list actors, hip hop and rappers alike, including P Diddy and Jay-Z. The danger is that the brand has become a status symbol, purchased for its price and rarity, rather than for its inherent quality. However, true lovers of Champagne can rest assured that the brand lives up to its superstar status in terms of quality delivery. It is gastronomic, elegant, pure and above all, an ultiamte expression of Champagne making. It is also one of the few Champagne houses to still be family owned.
It recently came out with an average score of 95/100 on Wine Searcher ranking as the second most desired Champagne in the World, just behind Dom Perignon.
Cristal's History
Louis Roederer Cristal was first created in 1876 for Alexander the 2nd of Russia. He requested a prestige cuvee, but due to fears of assassination at the time, demanded that it was bottled in clear glass, so that both the bubbles could be clearly seen and so that no tiny bomb could be hidden, as would be the case in the traditional dark green glass of Champagne bottles.
Louis Roederer commissioned a flat-bottomed, clear bottle, which has become the traditional presentation for Cristal, with its gold label, and UV-proof cellophane wrapper. He used only the very best wines, from his 7 best vineyards, and made the wine only in exceptional vintage years. This tradition has continued.
Cristal was first produced commercially in 1945, and was developed by Camille Roederer in the 1960s, building to the fame and star status that it enjoys today.
Cristal Style
Produced from a blend of 55% structured, fleshy Pinot Noir and 45% creamy, fresh Chardonnay, the wine is aged in bottle for a minimum 6 years before release and 20% of the blend will have been matured in oak, to add richness, structure and depth.
It is made only in exceptional years, and is produced entirely from grapes grown in the very best vineyard locations. Rich, yet fine, and racy, it has a rich, elegant creamy character, with floral, hazelnut and candied fruit character in its youth, and matures into a sumptuous experience of sublime, silky, integrated flavours. A unique experience, to be savoured at least once in a lifetime.