As the largest independent family-managed Champagne producer, Louis Roederer rank amongst the region's absolute finest. Established in 1776, the House today is managed by seventh generation family member Frédéric Rouzaud alongside long-time Chef de Cave and Champagne legend Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon. They own an astounding 242 hectares of vineyards many in chalk rich Grand Cru villages covering two-thirds of their grape requirements. Roederer have become pioneers in biodynamic farming & by 2012 all 78 hectares the “Cristal Estates” are farmed using biodynamic methods. By 2021 Roederer have 115 hectares certified organic. All the grapes in Cristal & other vintage cuvee’s come from their own vineyards. The estate is made up of 410 plots which are fermented separately in one of the 450 stainless steel tanks in their Reims cellars. In 2020 Roederer replaced Brut Premier with “Collection” allowing each years non-vintage blend to be identified and “re-engineering” the non-vintage cuvee to maintain freshness in the light of global warming on the Champagne region. Today Cristal is, widely recognised as the world's most awarded prestige cuvée champagne.

All Louis Roederer vintage champagnes are made using grapes from their own estate. Fascinated by the aromatic diversity of Pinot Noir in Champagne, Louis Roederer use the structure and power of the Pinot Noir grapes from the Montagne de Reims to create their Brut Vintage blend. Exposed to the north-east, these vineyards produce grapes that mature much slower, thereby making wines that are sometimes rough and closed at the beginning of the ageing process. However, the character of the Pinot Noir intensifies and becomes more refined through long ageing in wood. It is the Pinot Noirs from the Grand Cru rated village of Verzenay in particular that give the champagnes their velvety, creamy and elegant palate.

The Chardonnay from the most east facing vineyards in Chouilly brings the richness and generosity to the champagne. Some of the wine (the percentage varies each year) is fermented in large oak tanks and once in the bottle, the champagnes ages on the lees for at least four years and is rested for six months after disgorgement to attain optimal maturity.

Weather: The 2008 vintage began with difficulty for Louis Roederer. After a stormy and rainy spring, flowering was late with widespread disease producing small and dense clusters of grapes. The dry summer, though cool with relatively little sunshine, resulted in a maturation process that was both dry and fresh. Exceptionally favourable weather conditions in September then fostered perfect maturation of the grapes, producing wines with an exceptional and natural balance between freshness and a concentration of flavours. As more releases hit the market, 2008 is being considered the next-best vintage since 2002.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 90% Grand & Premier Cru
Grape Varieties: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay
Ageing: 5 years on the lees
Disgorged: 2014
Dosage: 9 g/l
Drink: Now to 2027

Tasting Note: Golden in colour, Louis Roederer Brut Vintage 2008 has a bouquet characteristic of the Pinot Noir grapes from Verzenay and Verzy. Packed with ripe fruits, the finish is dry, rich and complex. Still so young, it has an abundance of fruit and freshness that promise serious ageing potential. The 2008 vintage is an intense and lively champagne, embodying the fruitiness and power of this unique harvest.

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