Why We're Captivated by Louis Roederer

Pursuing mere glamour is not particularly difficult. However, adding 'grace' to it is not something achieved overnight. Some qualities are innate, others are cultivated through experience, while some fade and tarnish under the trials and changes that time imposes. It is difficult to both create and maintain. This applies not only to people but to everything they are involved with. In recent years, there has been much discussion about the 'dignity' that seems to be fading among Japanese people, which has given me cause to reflect on the matter. Yet, I must admit that my daily life doesn't quite resonate with the concept of 'grace,' and I find myself unsure of its true meaning. This is precisely why Louis Roederer's Champagne, which possesses both 'glamour' and 'grace,' so deeply appeals to me.Champagne

A Champagne Embodied with Feminine Aspiration

"Beyond the exquisite beauty of the bottle, it's the superior quality, the dedication, and the refinement... The ability of the entire house to maintain this is truly remarkable. This must be the epitome of elegance," says wine journalist Mr. Saito. According to him, "The depth of the Brut Premier, the standard cuvée, is exceptional for a non-vintage Champagne at its price point." Served in a slightly fuller-than-slender Champagne flute, its brioche-like aroma tantalizes the nose, and the fine effervescence is not to be missed.

In contrast to the robust Brut Premier, Cristal, the pinnacle cuvée pursuing exquisite softness, is unforgettable for any woman after the first sip. Even women uninterested in Champagne often remember the name 'Cristal' alongside the abbreviation 'Dom Pér.' This is because, beyond its appearance, women intuitively grasp its clear flavor profile as a Champagne that embodies feminine aspiration, exuding glamour and grace to achieve the ultimate in elegance.

The Secret of Cristal

Cristal was first created in 1876 by special commission from Tsar Alexander II of Russia, a great admirer of Louis Roederer. The Cristal bottle was born in response to the order for "high-quality and original wine and bottle." One theory suggests that the transparent, flat-bottomed bottle was designed to protect the Tsar from assassins, making it difficult to conceal explosives. The label is printed on the reverse side, allowing confirmation of its authenticity through the transparent bottle.

Since then, the quality of Cristal has continued to improve. The current 2002 vintage is highly acclaimed. According to Chef de Cave Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, "Cristal gains its power from grapes sourced from vines over 25 years old in exceptionally fine terroirs. In 2002, we harvested small berries with concentrated sugar and aromas. It possesses minerality, power, energy, and purity, maintaining a solid style even after bottling, achieving a strength combined with an unyielding delicacy."

Like a Precision Mechanical Watch

Founded in 1776, Louis Roederer is a top-tier grande maison, producing 3 to 3.2 million bottles annually (Taittinger: 4 million, Bollinger: 2.5 million, Pol Roger: 1.5 million). Of this, 35% is consumed domestically, and the rest is exported to over 100 countries. Despite its scale, its Champagne production is not industrialized; as Mr. Lécaillon describes it, it is "like a precision mechanical watch."

Various reserve wines, aged and stocked for blending and dosage liqueur, have been prepared with a 20-year outlook. Grape harvesting decisions are made not by analyzing berry composition but by tasting. During fermentation, selections are made weekly through tasting, and after fermentation, five months are dedicated to tasting, selection, and blending. The blending is a masterful, non-recipe art form incorporating the tasting sensibilities of six skilled individuals of diverse genders, ages, and positions.

Grapes that are fruity, acidic, and powerful are transformed into Champagne with minimal human intervention. Soil improvement began ten years ago, incorporating pest control agents for moths and butterflies used in organic farming and biodynamics. Currently, biodynamic cultivation is practiced on five hectares of vineyards.

While Louis Roederer is a family-run grande maison, its role as a global enterprise should not be overlooked. It owns wineries such as Roederer Estate in California, a classified growth château in Bordeaux, and wineries in Portugal. Collaboration with the respective winemakers enhances its Champagne production. Furthermore, it supports contemporary art, and in 2008, it released new label designs. The absence of contradiction between tradition and innovation is evident when tasting the prestige cuvées introduced below.

Tasting Notes

Brut Rosé Vintage 2004
Grape Varieties | Pinot Noir 70%, Chardonnay 30%
Suggested Retail Price | ¥9,975

A rosé produced in good years using the saignée method. It rests on its lees for four years in the cellar, followed by six months after disgorgement (removal of lees) to achieve complete aging. Using grapes with high ripeness, malolactic fermentation (a process to mellow the flavor) is not performed, and the dosage is minimal. It offers enchanting aromas of flowers and fresh fruit, along with a toasty note. It pairs well with dry, light dishes and unsweetened desserts.

Brut Vintage 2003
Grape Varieties | Pinot Noir 70%, Chardonnay 30%
Suggested Retail Price | ¥9,975

A vintage characterized by its power and distinct structure, primarily from Pinot Noir sourced from the first vineyards purchased in Montagne de Reims. Aged for over four years and rested for six months after disgorgement to reach perfection. It offers fruity notes and hints of dried fruit. Its beautiful acidity, minerality, and spiciness are distinctive. Pairs well with creamy pasta dishes.

Cristal Brut Vintage 2002
Grape Varieties | Pinot Noir 55%, Chardonnay 45%
Suggested Retail Price | ¥25,200

Made exclusively from grapes from the most exceptional vineyards, it is aged for an average of over five years in the cellar and released eight months after disgorgement. Chef de Cave Lécaillon states, "After disgorgement, there are about three moments of evolution. For the first ten years, it is fruity; then for the next ten to twenty years, toasty notes emerge; and after twenty years, it develops an aged character reminiscent of opening a cigar box or the aroma of truffles." It offers a silky, balanced palate and complex aromas. A magnificent harmony of power and delicacy, purity, and energy.

With the cooperation of:
Louis Roederer
http://www.louis-roederer.com
Salon du Vin de France
Tel. 03-5795-2553

Product Inquiries:
Enoteca Co., Ltd.
Tel. 03-3280-6258