Champagne Louis Roederer can look back on an unrivalled success story: 250 years during which the house has expanded its profound oenological knowledge and perfected traditional craftsmanship. 250 years during which the vines have been brought to maturity and cultivated into perfect wines with talent, intuition and patience. 250 years during which devoted passion and revolutionary innovations were
inter-twined. A unique path that involves respect for nature and pioneering organic viticulture in Champagne. Still independent and still family-owned, the house is now run by Frédéric Rouzaud, the seventh generation of the family. Around 250 hectares of the house’s own vineyards – exclusively Grand and Premier Cru terroirs – provide 70% and thus the majority of the grapes required for the fine Roederer wines. Roederer’s vintage champagnes are made 100% from its own house-owned vines.
'We are in awe of Nature’s magic, and we strive to serve her as best we can in order to reproduce some of this magic in our wines.'
Frédéric Rouzaud, Président Directeur Général
A brilliant golden colour. Fine, rising bubbles. Hints of white fruits and refreshing citrus aromas. A silky texture blended with the chalky minerality of the sun-drenched, limestone-rich soils on which the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes have grown. ‘Cristal is a wine of pure culinary delight and fine dining – delicate yet robust; subtle yet precise.’ With this succinct statement, cellar master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon sums up the incomparable character of the celebrated Louis Roederer Champagne. The elegance and balance of the Cristal vintages are anything but accidental: from the biodynamic, sustainable viticulture, guided by the principles of permaculture, to the curated assemblage gained from harvesting the finest plots and best vintages: the house upholds the highest standards of quality. The wine is aged in the cellars for at least six years, allowing its complexity, authenticity and richness to unfold to perfection. The wine rests for a further eight months after disgorgement; during this time, it achieves perfect harmony and unique quality, enabling each bottle to be cellared for several decades. The extended ageing process unfolds each vintage’s full potential in terms of flavour and intensity. This iconic masterpiece has now existed for 150 years. Louis Roederer created the first Cuvée Cristal in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II of Russia and his sophisticated taste. According to legend, the decision to bottle the wine in the clear crystal glass bottle with a flat base was initially driven by his fear of being assassinated and desire for the greatest possible transparency. Retained to this day, the bottle has emphasised the high quality of Cristal ever since, showcasing its intense colour beautifully. 150 years – a milestone worthy of celebration and the perfect occasion to raise a glass of possibly the world’s finest Champagne. With Cristal 2016, Louis Roederer presents an exceptional cuvée, whose special cellophane sleeve provides additional protection against light. We offer our warmest double congratulations: on the anniversary of the Cristal edition and Maison Louis Roederer.
250 YEARS OF INDEPENDENT SPIRIT
1776 – Foundation
The house (then known as Dubois Père & Fils) was founded in Reims in the historic year of the US Declaration of Independence.
1833 – Name-giving
Louis Roederer inherits the house and focuses on purchasing his own top vineyards (grands crus) – a pioneering step at the time.
1876 – Iconic ‘Cristal’
The world’s first prestige cuvée is created for Tsar Alexander II. The legendary clear bottle with a flat base becomes a symbol of ultimate luxury.
1917 – Existential crisis
On the night of the Russian Revolution, Roederer’s most important market is wiped out. The house loses 80% of its sales and has to completely refocus its activities.
1932 – Era of Women
Camille Olry-Roederer takes over as director. Her strategic acumen steers the Champagne house through the global economic crisis. She massively expands the vineyard portfolio.
1979 – Oenologist in charge
Jean-Claude Rouzaud consolidates Roederer’s reputation as the ‘vintner’s Champagne’ amongst the great houses and expands internationally (including to California).
2006 – Further expansion
Frédéric Rouzaud, son of Jean-Claude Rouzaud, continues the family tradition in the 7th generation.
2012 – Milestone
Harvesting of the first Cristal sourced entirely from 100% biodynamically certified plots – a sensation in the specialist wine trade.
2021 – Evolution Revolution
The former multi-vintage Brut Premier is replaced by the newly created Louis Roederer Collection. The current Cuvée 246 (corresponding to the number of harvests since the house was founded) consists of around 60% grapes from the 2021 vintage and is complemented by the Réserve Perpétuelle and reserve wines aged in wood.
2026 – Double anniversary
Louis Roederer celebrates 250 years of family-owned excellence. At the same time, the iconic Prestige cuvée Cristal is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
150TH ANNIVERSARY OF CRISTAL
