Cristal is the prestige cuvée of the Louis Roederer Champagne House, the brand behind the Louis Roederer Champagne Brut Premier. It was originally created for Tsar Alexander II. Easily recognizable for its transparent glass and bright gold foil wrapped around it, this champagne is produced from grapes harvested in the best plots of the estate. Since 2012, Cristal has been certified organic champagne.
Cristal Champagne, the fascinating story of an iconic cuvee
The most iconic cuvee of the Louis Roederer Champagne House, Cristal is a champagne first born from the passion of one wine-loving Russian emperor. It was first created in 1876 exclusively for Tsar Alexander II. At that time, the reputation of Champagne was already growing in Russia, and the emperor commissioned the House of Louis Roederer to blend a special cuvée just for him. But why Cristal? Forever fearful of being attacked or poisoned, Tsar Alexander II made a special request: for his champagne to be presented in a transparent bottle instead of the green glass more common at the time. The bottle would also have to have a flat bottom to ensure that no explosive could be hidden underneath it. The name of this champagne comes from the noble material initially chosen to house it. The first prestige cuvée in history, Cristal was initially produced exclusively for the Russian market. It was not until 1924 that the sale of Cristal expanded all over the world, following the Russian Revolution of 1917. Since then, only the crystal bottle has changed. The shape of the bottle has remained the same, along with the imperial coat of arms that adorns it. Today, this sparkling wine is one of the greatest champagnes in the world, sought-after by wine lovers far and wide.
Cristal Champagne, a work of art made only in the greatest years
Cristal is an exceptional and rare vintage cuvee, made only in the greatest of years. Like a true work of art, this champagne takes form step by step, developing in the process a unique expression of its vintage. Made from a blend of Chardonnay (around 40%) and Pinot Noir (around 60%), this cuvee is above all a fine wine, offering a pure expression of its chalky terroirs of origin. The Cote des Blancs, the Grands Crus of Montagne de Reims and the Vallee de la Marne… Cristal brings together the greatest terroirs of the Champagne region. And, as the best things in life take time, Cristal matures patiently for at least 6 years in the cool, dark chalk cellars of the House, before aging another 8 months in the bottle after disgorgement.
Cristal by Louis Roederer, a symbol of harmony and purity
"A wine of pure pleasure and fine cuisine, Cristal is delicate and powerful, subtle and precise, all at the same time." This is how the sumptuous cuvee is described by Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, the highly respected and talented Cellar Master of the House. Throughout its vintages, Cristal maintains this unique style, which makes the champagne so iconic. Its intense and expressive aromatic palette reveals a remarkable complexity through notes of citrus, white fruits and candied fruits. The bouquet is further enhanced by a delicate and elegant iodized minerality. This perfectly balanced champagne wraps the palate with its silky texture, offering an almost tactile sensation, revealing the finesse, power and purity of its limestone soils. And the energy locked inside each bottle of Cristal allows this exceptional champagne to evolve beautifully over times spent aging in the bottle ."
Exceptional vintages to discover
Casting the spotlight on Chardonnay, the 2005 vintage presents the unique aromatic characteristics that distinguish this noble white variety. Its elegance and precision are reflected in the complexity of the bouquet. Through a silky palate, the wine expresses itself fully, revealing a deep vinosity, delicious flavours, and a delicate effervescence upon an otherwise sleek body. Product of a sunny year, the 2006 vintage seduces with its ripeness and concentration, expressed on a full-bodied and refreshing palate. And the greatest vintage of Cristal made in the last 30 years, according to Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, the Cristal 2008 presents an exceptional density and power, while also maintaining a great freshness. Enter the effervescent world of Maison Louis Roederer and discover the dazzling Champagne Cristal...
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