As the largest independent family-managed Champagne producer, Louis Roederer rank amongst the region's absolute finest. Established in 1776, the House is currently managed by seventh generation family member Frédéric Rouzaud alongside long-time Chef de Cave and Champagne legend Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon. Today, Champagne Louis Roederer own an astounding 240 hectares of vineyards in the very best locations that cover two-thirds of their grape requirements and are pioneers in biodynamic farming, having converted a total of 50% of its holdings to accommodate production using biodynamic methods. Their portfolio begins with Brut Premier, one of Champagne's most seductive non-vintage cuvées and ends with Cristal, perhaps the world's most recognised prestige cuvée champagne.

In 1974, almost 200 years after the establishment of Champagne Louis Roederer and 100 years after the invention of Cristal, Jean-Claude Rouzad decided to create a Cristal Rosé. To achieve this, he selected old-vine Pinot Noir grapes from the finest Grand Cru vineyards of Aÿ, which are now cultivated according to biodynamic principals. The unique calcareous soil, which gives the grapes an exquisite minerality, enables the vines to attain exceptional fruit maturity complemented by a crystalline acidity. The rosé content is produced using the saignée (bleeding) process after cold maceration for five to eight days in the liquid phase. As with Cristal, 20-30% of the wines are vinified in oak barrels and the final blend is matured for six years in the cellars and rested for eight months after disgorgement. Produced only in the very best years, Cristal Rosé is Louis Roederer's rarest champagne. Cristal Rosé 2005 Late Release was aged on its lees for 7 years before being matured for a further 8 years in Reims after its disgorgement, hence this is the second time this has been released it original release in 2013.

Weather:The 2005 vintage was unpredictable and full of contrasts. The weather was mostly warm with little rain, however a heatwave in August followed by a cool and rainy September moderated initial anticipation. In the end, a drastic selection in the vineyard ensured a limited volume of exceptional quality and indeed, 2005 was an extremely short vintage.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand Cru | Pinot Noir: Aÿ, Cumières, Verzenay, Verzy | Chardonnay: Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger
Grape Varieties: 56% Pinot Noir, 44% Chardonnay
Ageing: 7 years on the lees
Disgorged: 2019
Dosage: 8.5 g/l
Drink: Now to 2050+

Champagne in clear bottles must be stored in complete darkness, it spoils quickly if exposed to any light source. Cristal is supplied in yellow wrapping (not shown in photo) do not remove it and ideally place in a box. Read More

Tasting Note: A pink hue with a deep red-brown tint. The bouquet is characteristic of Pinot Noir, with notes of black cherries and black fruit combined with floral, sappy notes. Sweet and exotic aromas such as mango and orange peel. Smoky notes, spice and caramel, derived from the Pinot Noir vinified as a red wine. Elegant, broad palate underpinned by discreet tannins. A well structured wine dominated by the strength and texture of the Pinot Noir.

As the largest independent family-managed Champagne producer, Louis Roederer rank amongst the region's absolute finest. Established in 1776, the House is currently managed by seventh generation family member Frédéric Rouzaud alongside long-time Chef de Cave and Champagne legend Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon. Today, Champagne Louis Roederer own an astounding 240 hectares of vineyards in the very best locations that cover two-thirds of their grape requirements and are pioneers in biodynamic farming, having converted a total of 50% of its holdings to accommodate production using biodynamic methods. Their portfolio begins with Brut Premier, one of Champagne's most seductive non-vintage cuvées and ends with Cristal, perhaps the world's most recognised prestige cuvée champagne.

Top quality grapes are the cornerstone of Roederer's style and account for their characteristic purity and elegance. Their portfolio begins with Brut Premier, one of Champagne's most seductive non-vintage cuvées and ends with Cristal, perhaps the world's most recognised prestige cuvée champagne. Created in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II of Russia, the iconic Cristal is the essence of Roederer, matched only in decadence and luxury by its pink equivalent, Cristal Rosé.

Cellar Master: Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon
Winery Location: Reims | Champagne, France
Champagne Region: Montagne de Reims
Annual Production (bottles): 3,000,000