Louis Roederer : Cristal Rosé 2012

The finesse and elegance of a Cristal Rosé by Louis Roederer

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

A complex year, as delicate as it was unprecedented, 2012 gave rise to one of the greatest vintages in Champagne. Although the yields were low, the quality was present. The continental weather conditions at the end of the season heralded an ideal harvest, with the grapes reaching a rare level of ripeness. Louis Roederer's Cristal Rosé 2012 also marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the House's viticulture: that of a viticulture where Man and Nature work together in perfect harmony.

Vinification and ageing

Louis Roederer has developed a unique technique for making its rosé champagnes, the result of many years of experimentation. The "infusion" of Chardonnay juice into a Pinot Noir maceration leads to a well-integrated whole, resulting in juicy, ripe wines that are still very fresh. Champagne does not undergo malolactic fermentation. 15% of the wines are vinified in wood.

The blend

An exceptional cuvee, Louis Roederer's Cristal Rosé 2012 comprises a blend of Pinot Noir (56%) and Chardonnay (44%).

Cristal Rosé 2012 by Louis Roederer: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Colour

The colour is an elegant salmon pink, highlighting the fine bubbles.

Nose

Complex and delicate, the bouquet invites you to take the time to discover all its aromas. Fresh and tangy citrus notes appear first, evoking yuzu before giving way to notes of raspberry and small red fruits. Then aromas of roasted dried fruits and almonds follow, with delicate scents of verbena and bergamot tea.

Palate

On the palate, Cristal Rosé 2012 slowly unfurls, with the grace and delicacy of a ballerina. The palate reveals a very delicate effervescence, allowing this cuvée to express all of its juicy, fresh fruit flavours through an exquisite freshness and chalky tension. A powerful texture combines with great finesse in a wine with a truly persistent, dazzling finish.