Champagnes

A key event in the success of Roederer was breaking the Russian market, as achieved by the elder Louis Roederer. As a result the blue-blooded Russians found themselves partial to the odd glass of Roederer Champagne, so much so that Tsar Alexander II requested that a special cuvée be created; one fitting to grace the table of a royal family. And so Louis Roederer II produced Cristal, regarded by many as the first prestige cuvée.

What made this sweet blend so distinctive was the packaging, being bottled in clear crystal rather than ordinary glass. It was a business coup for the Roederer family, although unfortunately one that backfired. The deposition of the Tsar that came with the October Revolution in 1917 meant that the Roederer’s lost their market. They had a lot of unpaid bills, and a large stock of sweet Champagne. But the firm survived, and remains in the hands of Roederer’s descendants to this day.

The range of wines is largely sourced from Roederer’s own vineyards, which provide the majority of the raw materials required. There are very good non-vintage cuvées including Brut Premier, the Extra Dry, Grand Vin Sec and the demi-sec Carte Blanche. These are all Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in a roughly 2:1 proportion, plus a dash of Pinot Meunier. The vintage wines include the Brut Vintage, Rosé Vintage and an oft superb Blanc de Blancs. The latter is obviously 100% Chardonnay, the other two are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in an approximately 7:3 proportion. The rosé is made by addition of red wine rather than the saignée method. And, of course, the aforementioned Cristal, which is also available as a rosé. Cristal is usually an approximately equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir; the rose contains more Pinot Noir, and again is made by addition of red wine rather than by skin contact

Robert Parker : 96+ points
"Roederer’s 2007 Cristal is still in its infant, fresh stage. Subtle notes of pears, flowers, spices, mint, minerals and oak are woven into a cashmere-like frame of extraordinary grace and elegance. This beautifully-sculpted Champagne possesses notable clarity but with the additional depth of fruit that is characteristic of this vintage. It is a gorgeous, seductive Cristal of the highest level. In 2007, Cristal is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay with 10 grams of dosage. 20% of the wine was fermented in oak. 

Wine Spectator : 92 points
"A suave customer, with hints of citrus, berry and coffee. Harmonious and refined, with freshness and a bright structure. The finish shows a lot of potential, with a mouthwatering aftertaste. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 2030."