Louis Roederer

History

Founded in 1776 as Dubois Père & Fils, the house was renamed by Louis Roederer in 1833. He took a unique approach for his time, buying up premier vineyards to control grape quality from the start. This philosophy led to the creation of the legendary Cristal in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II, who feared assassination and requested a clear, flat-bottomed bottle to prevent explosives from being hidden inside. After WWI destroyed much of their estate, the house’s heir, Léon Olry Roederer, created the Brut Premier to ensure a consistent, high-quality non-vintage blend regardless of harvest year.

The Blend

Brut Premier is a multi-vintage blend, typically made from 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, and 20% Pinot Meunier from over 40 different plots. A portion of the wine (around 10%) is aged in oak casks, and about 30% of the final blend comes from a reserve wine collection aged for several years in oak to add complexity. The champagne is aged for three years in the cellars and rested for at least six months after disgorgement.

Tasting Notes

This champagne is known for its balance of youthfulness and maturity.

• Aroma: Complex and rich, with notes of fresh citrus, yellow apple, and pear, followed by layers of toasted brioche, almond, and hazelnut.
• Palate: Lively and fresh on the attack, with a creamy, full-bodied texture. Flavors of ripe orchard fruit and citrus are underscored by a distinct minerality and a hint of nuttiness from the aging.
• Finish: Long and elegant, with a refreshing acidity that gives it a crisp, clean finish.