Champagne is synonymous with celebration – after all, no wedding is complete without the perfect, ice-cold fizz to toast the occasion. Indeed, one of the most famed – Cristal – is celebrating 50 years of its exquisite rosé champagne, a testament to its popularity and its enduring appeal among champagnes. Of course, its maker, Louis Roederer, is a name long associated with the crème de la crème of exclusivity as it produces some of the finest champagnes in the world. From the legendary Cristal to the innovative Collection 242, Roederer’s champagnes are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to quality that spans generations. But it’s the story behind the champagne, from vineyard to venue, that reveals why Louis Roederer is a winning choice for the chicest of wedding days.
The Vineyard
Nestled in the heart of the lush Champagne region, the maison was founded in 1776 and renamed for Louis Roederer in 1833 when he inherited the house from his uncle. Nearly 250 years on, it now stands as one of the greatest houses in Champagne. The verdant vineyards, spanning 250 hectares, are located on the chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, and the Vallée de la Marne. For those with fine palates and a thirst for knowledge, it is this chalky foundation that underlies the unique minerality of Roederer champagnes.
Today, the abundant Louis Roederer vineyards are led by the esteemed Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, Cellar Master – Lécaillon helped direct the estate towards sustainability when he joined in as cellar master in 1999 (he was working under the previous cellar master for 10 years before that!) – and thus the maison is a pioneer in organic and biodynamic farming with more than 135 hectares certified organic. This commitment to sustainable viticulture not only enhances the quality of the grapes but also ensures the preservation of the environment for future generations. Each precious vine is carefully nurtured, reflecting Roederer’s philosophy of respecting nature and its rhythms.
Their Cristal Rosé is, of course, one of the star examples from the region and is created to be much more layered and characterful than the stereotypical, whisper-pink rosé of champagnes past. As Roederer is almost a grower estate, with a high percentage of its glorious grapes coming from its own lush vineyards, it means they keep a very close eye on every single grape that goes into their delightful champagnes.
A Champagne Ahead of The Game…
Champagne is made from three grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. And though, of course, there are ground rules to any game, when you know them you can break them – and at Louis Roederer, the approach to winemaking is both traditional and innovative. Take their rosé champagne under the Cristal banner, this silky, aromatic delight is crafted by infusing the Pinot Noir skins and juice together for a week prior to fermentation. This method, distinct from the common blending technique used by other producers, allows for the extraction of incredible flavour and aroma, a hint of colour, but importantly no tannin, resulting in a much more silky and nuanced champagne. The result is a pale yet elegant rosé, showcasing the finesse and elegance Cristal is renowned for.
Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, Cristal Rosé is an extremely rare champagne that first launched in 1974 and is made only two or three times a decade. The reason for this is that it’s produced exclusively from older vines – these yield better-quality fruit but in lesser quantities, hence this vintage champagne (unfortunately) can’t simply be crafted every year, making it a very special choice to savour.
Louis Roederer’s vineyards are classified as Grand Cru and Premier Cru, situated on the best areas of chalk with land that has remained unchanged for generations. Grapes dedicated to their renowned Cristal are harvested from specific plots, which ensures the consistency and quality of grapes – and any grapes the maison buys in are only ever used for their collection. All vintage expressions, including Cristal and Cristal Rosé, come exclusively from their own vineyards. What also sets Louis Roederer apart is the aforementioned organic vineyard area, one of the largest in France. This ensures that their fêted champagnes always maintain their much-admired, unique flavour.
So, with each sip, you’re not simply enjoying just ‘champagne’, you’re tasting something imbued with generational knowledge and expertise in every tiny bubble.
The Highlight for Weddings
Champagne has long been a favourite for weddings, and Louis Roederer offers a selection that adds elegance to any celebration. The Cristal, with its purity and finesse, is a timeless choice for wedding toasts – its delicate balance and long finish making it a standout for a grand occasion. The Louis Roederer Collection 242, with a higher proportion of Chardonnay, brings a touch of modern elegance, perfect for contemporary weddings. Its complex bouquet and vibrant acidity make it a versatile choice, suitable for a whole heap of wedding dishes. For those seeking a unique touch (and perhaps a blush shade to complement the bouquet), the Rosé 2016, with its layers of character and refined taste, offers a beautiful option for both the reception and the toast.
But what to pair it with for the ultimate showstopper wedding feast? Drawing inspiration from culinary excellence, Louis Roederer champagnes can be matched with an array of exquisite dishes to elevate any wedding menu. The crisp, elegant notes of Cristal perfectly complement fresh seafood such as oysters or lobster, enhancing their natural flavours. Meanwhile, the vibrant acidity of Collection 242 pairs wonderfully with rich poultry dishes such as duck or roasted chicken. For dessert, the Rosé 2016, with its fragrant bouquet and subtle fruitiness, is ideal alongside strawberry tarts or a delicate mille-feuille. These pairings ensure that every sip and bite harmonise perfectly, creating an unforgettable culinary journey for your wedding guests.
Making Positive Choices for Your Wedding
In recent years, the importance of sustainability has come to the fore, and what better way to reflect this ethos than in your wedding champagne? Those with an interest in wine will be aware that over the past 20 years, temperatures in Champagne have risen by 1.2°C, accelerating bud burst and the harvest by an average of 18 days. And unpredictable weather, including early heatwaves, late frosts, and prolonged periods of rain or drought require constant adaptation in the vineyard and winery.
However, by choosing Louis Roederer for your wedding, you’re not only opting for exquisite champagne but also supporting environmentally positive practices. This maison’s commitment to organic and biodynamic farming ensures that the vineyards thrive in harmony with nature, preserving the environment for future generations while producing exceptional champagne. You can embrace this positive choice and let your celebration be a nod to sustainability – and elegance.
Why Louis Roederer
When it comes to choosing fizz for your wedding, only the best will do. Louis Roederer, with its rich history and commitment to excellence, offers the perfect selection of champagnes to make your special day unforgettable. Whether you opt for the legendary Cristal, the elegant Collection 242, or the refined Rosé 2016, Louis Roederer ensures that every toast is a celebration of love and luxury.
Raise a glass to a lifetime of happiness!
For more information go to: www.louis-roederer.com/en/prehome
