Louis Roederer Cristal Champagne 2015

Louis Roederer's Cristal hails from the prestigious Champagne region in north-eastern France, specifically sourced from 45 Grand Cru plots across seven villages: Avize, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger (Côte des Blancs) and Verzenay, Verzy, Beaumont-sur-Vesle, and Aÿ (Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne). These chalk-rich vineyards are cultivated using organic and biodynamic practices, reflecting a deep commitment to terroir and sustainability.

The 2015 vintage is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay from vines over 20 years old. It is a prestige cuvée expressing the unique identity of its terroir and vintage. The style is refined, energetic, and complex, highlighting purity and harmony rather than opulence.

Each of the 45 plots is vinified separately in stainless steel or French oak vats tailored to plot size. Twenty-five percent of the wine is aged in oak, and malolactic fermentation is avoided to preserve purity and freshness. The wine spends six to seven years on lees before disgorgement, followed by an additional six to twelve months of bottle ageing.

It presents a chalk-driven character with great clarity and poise. The nose opens with notes of yellow fruit, toasted almond, and wheat, supported by juicy red fruit tones. On the palate, the wine is vibrant yet delicate, with a silky texture and flavours of candied citrus, iodised spice, and subtle oak. Its effervescence is vertical and finely tuned, leading to a saline, elegant finish with immense ageing potential.

This Champagne pairs beautifully with refined dishes such as grilled turbot with truffle, noble shellfish, or mature cheeses like aged Parmesan. It also complements umami-rich and acidic elements, including citrus fruits, rhubarb, and shellfish preparations.