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Regular price
€319,00
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Vintage:
2016
Denomination:
Champagne
Grape variety:
chardonnay, pinot noir
Origin:
France, Champagne
Alcohol:
12.5%
Format:
0.75 L
Product origin:
Business
Serving temperature:
10°
When to drink:
Aperitif, Dinner, Business dinner, Special occasions
Type:
Champagne
Taste:
Balanced and mineral, with notes of citrus, hazelnut and a long finish.
Flavorings:
white fruit, citrus, hazelnut, brioche, minerality
Allergens:
Sulphites
Longevity:
21+ years
What kind of wine is Champagne Brut 'Cristal' 2016 - Louis Roederer?
Champagne Brut 'Cristal' 2016 - Louis Roederer is one of the most iconic labels in the French landscape, a symbol of excellence from Maison Louis Roederer, a historic producer based in Reims, in the heart of Champagne. Created in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II of Russia, Cristal is today an absolute benchmark for elegance, precision, and power. Made with grapes exclusively from the Maison's best vineyards, this Champagne is produced using the traditional Champenoise method, which involves a second fermentation in the bottle thanks to the addition of yeasts and sugars. It is precisely during this slow process that the delicate bubbles and extraordinary aromatic complexity that make Cristal unique develop.Vintage details
The 2016 vintage in Champagne was marked by contrasting climatic conditions: a cool and rainy spring gave way to a hot and dry summer that allowed for slow and regular grape ripening. The Chardonnay (approximately 45%) and Pinot Noir (55%) vines achieved an exceptional balance between acidity and sugar concentration. The late summer harvest yielded healthy and fragrant fruits, capable of expressing great purity and mineral tension, characteristics clearly found in this vintage of Champagne Brut 'Cristal' 2016 - Louis Roederer.Winemaking and aging
The production of Cristal faithfully follows the classic method, which means re-fermentation in the bottle, a key step for the formation of fine and persistent bubbles. After the primary fermentation, the wine rests for over 6 years on its lees in the Maison's underground cellars: a long period that enriches the bouquet and refines the structure. The final dosage – the small addition of sugar at disgorgement – is contained, to enhance the natural elegance and purity of the fruit. After disgorgement, the Champagne rests for another 8 months before being released to the market, thus achieving perfect harmony.Tasting notes
Every sip of Champagne Brut 'Cristal' 2016 - Louis Roederer is an experience that combines energy, balance, and refinement.Colour
It presents a brilliant golden yellow color, crossed by luminous reflections and very fine, constant bubbles, a sign of its long maturation on the lees.Nose
The nose offers a complex and layered bouquet: notes of candied citrus, green apple, and hazelnut blend with mineral hints and accents of fine pastry. Freshness combines with an elegant roundness, inviting a taste.Palate
On the palate, it is broad, creamy, and yet vibrant. The attack is fruity and juicy, followed by a persistent minerality that cleanses and lengthens the finish. The very fine bubbles amplify the sensation of freshness and lightness, delivering extraordinary harmony.What dishes to pair with Champagne Brut 'Cristal' 2016 - Louis Roederer
This Champagne is best enjoyed with elegant and refined dishes that enhance its complexity without overpowering it. Perfect as the centerpiece of an important dinner or as a meditation wine, it pairs well with:- Seafood crudités and fresh oysters
- Tuna or salmon tartare
- Grilled scampi or lobster
- Crustacean ravioli or seafood risotto
- Soft cheeses, such as Brie or Chaource
Storage and aging: how to store Champagne Brut 'Cristal' 2016 - Louis Roederer
To maintain the qualities of this Champagne, it is important to store it correctly:- Temperature: stable and between 10 and 13°C (50-55°F), avoiding sudden temperature changes.
- Light: store away from direct light sources, as sunlight can alter its aromas.
- Bottle position: keep the bottle lying horizontally to keep the cork moist and ensure a perfect seal.
Louis Roederer
The history of Louis Roederer winery Founded in 1776, the Louis Roederer winery is a symbol of excellence in the world of wine. With almost 250 years of tradition, the house has successfully combined the heritage of the past with the innovation of the present. The winery has gained worldwide fame...
How to best open and serve Champagne Brut 'Cristal' 2016 - Louis Roederer
1. Bottle Positioning
Before opening, ensure that the bottle of Champagne Brut 'Cristal' 2016 - Louis Roederer has been stored horizontally, in a cool, dry place away from light. Approximately 24 hours before tasting, position it vertically to allow any sediment to settle at the bottom, facilitating a cleaner opening.
2. Ideal Serving Temperature
Temperature plays a crucial role in enhancing the elegance and aromatic complexity of this vintage Champagne. Serve it at a temperature between 10°C and 12°C. To achieve the right freshness without compromising the bouquet:
- Chill the bottle in an ice bucket with water and ice for about 20-25 minutes.
- Avoid putting it in the freezer, as excessive cold can alter the more delicate aromas.
3. Opening the Bottle
Correctly opening a Champagne Brut 'Cristal' 2016 - Louis Roederer is an act of precision and elegance:
- Remove the foil and loosen the wire cage, always keeping your thumb on the cork.
- Hold the bottle tilted at a 45° angle, gripping the bottom firmly.
- Slowly twist the bottle (not the cork) until you hear a slight sigh of air: the cork should open silently, without sprays or loss of effervescence.
4. Inspection and First Taste
Immediately after opening, pour a small amount of Champagne into a tasting glass to check:
- The color: it should be clear, with golden reflections and brilliant effervescence.
- The aroma: fruity, citrus, and mineral notes indicate perfect preservation.
- The taste: the first taste serves to ascertain that there are no defects (oxidation or unpleasant flavors).
5. Decanting and Oxygenation
While it is not customary to decant Champagne, in some cases it can be useful to help a vintage like Champagne Brut 'Cristal' 2016 - Louis Roederer express itself fully:
- Use a decanter specifically designed for sparkling wines or a wide tulip glass to encourage oxygenation.
- Let the wine rest for 5-10 minutes: aeration will help reveal all the aromatic complexity of the 2016, with nuances of hazelnut, candied fruit, and brioche.
6. Serving
Serve the Champagne in tulip or wide-bowled glasses, which allow the development of the perlage and aromas. Pour slowly, avoiding filling more than half the glass. For a better sensory experience:
- Keep the bottle cool throughout service, by placing it back in an ice bucket.
- Pair Champagne Brut 'Cristal' 2016 - Louis Roederer with refined dishes such as oysters, caviar, or crustaceans, to enhance its structure and finesse.
7. Storage After Opening
If not consumed completely, re-seal the bottle with a hermetic Champagne stopper and store it in the refrigerator at 4-6°C. The effervescence and aromas will remain intact for approximately 24 hours. Avoid storing it for longer to prevent losing the freshness and vibrancy that characterize Champagne Brut 'Cristal' 2016 - Louis Roederer.
