Louis Roederer : Collection 243

A refined and complex multi-vintage champagne

The producer

Founded in 1776 in Reims, the Louis Roederer Champagne House has remained family-owned and independent. Following over 200 years of existence, the Louis Roederer House is still owned by the same family. Today, headed by Frédéric Rouzaud, who represents the family’s seventh generation, Louis Roederer embodies the excellence of Champagne wines worldwide due to its vintages that are crafted like true works of art.

The vineyard

With nearly 241 hectares of vines, the Louis Roederer House derives its strength from its extraordinary vineyard, made up entirely of Grands and Premiers Crus in the Marne Valley, the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. A true mosaic of terroirs, the vineyards of the Louis Roederer Champagne house are divided into 410 plots that reflect the utter diversity of the Champagne region's soils.

The wine

In order to elevate the quality of the House's multi-vintage blends to new heights and to be more transparent regarding the blends, Louis Roederer has embarked on a new approach with the creation of Collection.

Made from one-third of the grapes stemming from each of the "La Rivière", "La Montagne" and "La Côte" vineyards, Collection is composed of a base vintage, oak-aged reserve wines and wines from the "Perpetual Reserve", which follows the principles of the solera method and was created in 2012. The house's grapes are complemented by a rigorous selection of plots from partner winegrowers. Thus, each edition of Collection is unique and yet, truly reflects the identity and boundless expertise of the Roederer House.

Base vintage and reserve wines

The number 243 represents the House’s 243rd blend since its creation. Collection 243 by Louis Roederer is a champagne made from the 2018 vintage to which 10% of oak-aged reserve wines (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017) and 31% from the ‘’Perpetual Reserve’’ (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017) were added.

Vinification and ageing

26% of the blend undergoes malolactic fermentation. Collection 243 was aged for 3 to 4 years in the cellar. Its dosage is 8 g/litre.

The blend

Chardonnay (42%)

Pinot Noir (40%)

Pinot Meunier (18%).

Louis Roederer’s Collection 243: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

This brilliant champagne reveals a beautiful golden hue with shimmering reflections. The effervescence is fine and persistent.

Nose

The full and fresh nose blends fragrances of mirabelle plum and lemon pie with delicious notes of jasmine. When aerated, delectable smoky and subtle notes of toasted pastries emerge.

Palate

The dense and structured palate seduces with its power and balance. A refreshing salinity sustains a smooth texture. Throughout the tasting, the palate harmoniously blends the liveliness and complexity of the ‘’Perpetual Reserve’’ with the delicate woody expression conferred by the time spent in oak barrels.