Louis Roederer Cristal 1996 (Sparkling)

Remained the property of the same family since its founding in Reims in 1776, M. Dubois and his son, Louis Roederer is now one of the few Champagne houses still independent. In 1833, Louis Roederer inherited the house and decided to expand the vineyard. It is mainly the Cristal cuvée that contributed historically to the fame of this house. The history of Cristal, the first prestige cuvée in the history of champagne began in 1876 when Tsar Alexander II demanded a distinctive sign on his bottles of champagne, to make the imperial champagne easily recognizable by Tsar and the court. Thus was born a crystal bottle with a flat bottom, the shape and transparency are perpetuated today. Following the Russian Revolution of October 1917 Roederer Cristal has seen an eclipse before being reborn in 1924. This Cuvée, is still today, the jewel of the Roederer House. The house was managed by Frédérique Rouzaud, the grandson of Camille and Léon Olry Roederer, who owned the house from the 1920s onwards since 2006 ; now it is his son Frédérique Rouzaud, the 6th generation of the family at the head of this house which owns now 242 hectares, composed of 410 plots and located essentially in premiers and grand crus: an exceptional wine heritage, which provides 100% of the house's needs (it does not buy grapes). To respect this great diversity of terroirs, the vinifications are fragmented. The wines are very regular and always of a high quality.

Only crafted in years deemed to be exceptional, Cristal is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir (which makes up the majority of the blend sitting around 60%) that ages for six years in the cellar and rests for eight months after disgorgement. Louis Roederer’s flagship wine, Cristal, was first blended in 1876 to satisfy the refined palate of Tsar Alexander II. This gorgeous Champagne acquired its name from the flat-bottomed crystal bottle which brilliantly shows off this wonderful beverage’s character through its near-transparent sides.
Tasting the wine reveals a most beautiful pure balance and pronounced flavours that stay long on the palate. White fruits, citrus fruits, minerality and nuts such as fresh almonds all make an appearance while savouring this Champagne. It can spend many years in the cellar and don’t be afraid to keep it for around 20 years. It never loses its elegance, vivacity or vinosity on the palate.

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