What
The maison was founded in 1776 and renamed for Louis Roederer in 1833 when he inherited the house from his uncle.
Where
Reims; 240ha of estate vineyards spread across the region, mainly chalky sites in the Côte des Blancs, provide roughly 4/5 of their grape needs. All vintage wines are made exclusively from estate fruit. 115ha are now certified organic but the whole estate is farmed using organic and biodynamic practices. 2012 was the first all biodynamically farmed Cristal and from 2021 Collection will bear a green label to mark it as biodynamic.
Why
Brut Premier was a 40/40/20 blend of pinot, chardonnay and meunier from up to four vintages; Collection 242 (based on 2017) has a higher proportion of chardonnay for elegance; its components include around one-third perpetual reserve started in 2012 stored in large steel vats and 10 per cent reserve wines from vintages back to 2009 aged in French oak foudres. It also ages longer on lees.
What else
It was an impossible choice between the just-released Cristal 2013 (gorgeously pristine and luxuriant) or Collection 242, but ultimately the successor to iconic Brut Premier was the bigger story.
Tasting Notes
A luxuriant toastiness is the opening salvo but it quickly gives way to yellow apple and yellow peach fruit, even a hint of blooming lilies. Blazing acid gives the impression of biting into citrus, cutting right through the plush mid-palate. Honeyed, smooth finish.
Try It With
Grilled chicken or beef dishes.
When To Drink
Apéritif
Perfect For
Your sophisticated parent/aunt/uncle.
Tatler Tip
A little deeper and toastier than Brut Premier but still recognisable in style.
TL/DR
NV with a step up in-depth and substance.