CRISTAL 2014

An emblematic cuvée of the Louis Roederer Maison, Cristal Champagne was born from a Russian passion. The cuvée saw the light of day in 1876 thanks to Tsar Alexander II. At that time, Champagne enjoyed unstoppable success in Russia. The Emperor therefore asked the Maison Louis Roederer to develop an exclusive cuvée. But why Cristal? Tsar Alexander II, fearing that he would be the victim of an attack by poisoning, made a request: the Champagne should be presented in a transparent bottle and not green, like most bottles at the time. Moreover, the bottom must be flat. Thanks to its nobility, the crystal imposed itself from then on and gave its name to the cuvée. The first prestigious cuvée in history and exclusively destined for the Russian market, it was only after 1924 that the Cristal cuvée was marketed everywhere in the world, following the Russian Revolution of 1917. Since then, only crystal has been changed. The shape of the bottle remains unchanged, still displaying the imperial coats of arms. Today, the sparkling cuvée is one of the greatest champagnes of all time.

Cristal is elaborated only on the occasion of great vintages. Like a work of art, this Champagne takes shape step by step, capturing the expression of each vintage. The result of a blend of Chardonnay (around 40%) and Pinot Noir (around 60%), this cuvée is first of all a great wine that reflects the expression of the chalk terroirs that have seen it born. Côte des Blancs, Grand Cru of the Montagne de Reims and the Vallée de la Marne, the Cristal cuvée brings together the most beautiful terroirs of Champagne. While waiting for time to take its course, the Cristal Champagne patiently refines for a minimum of six years, in the shade and cool of the Maison's chalk quarries, before the fateful moment of disgorgement and another 8 months of rest.