Cristal: Our Favourite Champagnes from Louis Roederer Wines

Louis Roederer's most famous wine was created in 1876 to satisfy the demanding tastes of Tsar Alexander II. To distinguish the Louis Roederer cuvée, this exceptional luxury champagne came in a flat-bottomed, transparent lead-crystal bottle. The brand, Cristal, was named after this precious material, which is particularly transparent and luminous. We meet Cellar Master Jean- Baptiste Lécaillon over lunch at Madame Fan in The NCO Club in Singapore as he shares more about the champagne fit for an emperor. 

Cristal 2008

The vintage Cristal 2008 has been shaped by time and by its unique chalky soils and is now ready after ten years of ageing. Produced uniquely during the best years with Chardonnay (around 40%) and Pinot noir (around 60%) grapes. The 2008 vintage champagne was crafted during a continental year, intense and hot, with scorching temperatures and weather which was a nimble succession of sunny and cool spells.

Incredibly fresh and absolutely pure, this luxurious champagne is a must try for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Tasting notes of the incredible vintage champagne features a complex, intense bouquet disclosing candied citrus, yellow fruit, Williams pear, pollen and toasted almonds.

Released with a high rating, the critically acclaimed Cristal 2008 has been awarded a perfect 100 points by three international wine critics: Alberto Lupetti, James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast. Cristal 2008 is now available in Singapore at Fish Pool located at The NCO Club.

Cristal Rosé

In 1974, Jean-Claude Rouzaud decided to create the Cristal Rosé Cuvée. He chose quality old-vine Pinot Noir grapes from the finest Grand Cru vineyards. The unique clay soil, which gives the grapes an exquisite minerality, enables exceptional fruit maturity which is complemented by a crystalline acidity.

Cristal Rosé Cuvée is a premium blend of around 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay, comprising 20% of wine matured in oak tuns. The Cristal Rosé Cuvée is aged for roughly 6 years in Louis Roederer’s cellars for a precise wine taste that’s not full-bodied, for more subtle notes that don’t overpower the floral sweetness. 

The Cristal Rosé Cuvée reveals an aromatic intensity with remarkable fullness and the smooth, sweet flavours of white flowers, red fruits, caramel, and Tarte Tatin. 

Brut Premier

After the upheavals of the early 1900s, the First World War destroyed more than half of the Louis Roederer estate, Léon Olry Roederer reconstructed the vineyards. He decided to create a multi-vintage wine that would have a consistent flavour independent of the harvest year. This quality, luxury wine would be known as Brut Premier.

A blend of around 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, and 20% Pinot Meunier, Brut Premier comprises high-quality wine matured in oak tuns produced from three Champagne grape varieties that originate from varieties especially chosen by Louis Roederer. It is aged for 3 years in Louis Roederer’s cellars and left for a minimum of 6 months after disgorging.

The Brut Premier may not offer any surprises but is perfect for those seeking a consistent taste. It is a full, complex, premium wine that is both rich and powerful that makes it a classic.

Grand Vin Pte Ltd is the official appointed distributor of Louis Roederer Champagne in Singapore.