History and Terroir

The family-owned Champagne House headed by Frédéric Rouzaud became a pioneer in the Champagne region when it embarked upon the organic growing certification process for half of its estate in 2018. Louis Roederer has embraced the path of responsibility and modernity, that of a demanding and committed approach to viticulture, respectful of the environment and ecosystem. Cristal, the estate’s most famous wine was created in 1876 to satisfy the demanding tastes of Tsar Alexander II. This world-class champagne is created from the best plots of seven crus from estate, giving this wine its unique and precious character. Selected from the old vines, the berries that give Cristal its characteristic intensity are the primary key to this great wine’s success. Wines are produced uniquely during the best years, when the Chardonnay (around 40%) and Pinot noir (around 60%) grapes have attained perfect maturity. The cellar-life of Cristal can extend to over twenty years without losing the freshness and character of this exceptional Champagne.

Farming and Winemaking

Cristal Rosé is made from selected old-vine Pinot noir and chardonnay grapes from the finest Grand Cru vineyards at Aÿ, Avize and Mesnil-sur-Oger. The unique calcareous soil of these lands, which gives the grapes an exquisite minerality, enables the vines to attain exceptional fruit maturity, complemented by a crystalline acidity. The attack of Cristal Rosé is spring-like and energetic, round, ample, and silky, with a marked mineral freshness. This primary note is the classic characteristic of this legendary Champagne, which evokes the chalky and saline terroir of Aÿ.