Louis Roederer : Cristal Rosé 2012

The finesse and elegance of a Cristal Rosé by Louis Roederer

A complex growing season, as delicate as it was unusual, 2012 witnessed the conception of one of the greatest vintages of Champagne.

While the yields were low, the quality was undeniable. Continental climatic conditions at the end of the season resulted in ideal harvests, yielding grapes that had reached a rare level of ripeness. The Cristal Rosé 2012 by Louis Roederer also marked the advent of a new chapter in the history of viticulture at the house: a new type of viticulture by which Man and Nature are in perfect harmony.

The Louis Roederer estate has developed a unique technique to produce rosé champagnes, following many years of experimentation. The "infusion" of Chardonnay into a maceration of Pinot Noir allows for an overall integration, leading to juicy and ripe wines, which nevertheless maintain a great natural freshness. An exceptional cuvée, the Cristal Rosé 2012 is made from a blend of Pinot Noir (56%) and Chardonnay (44%). This champagne does not undergo malolactic fermentation and 15% of the base wines are vinified in oak.

At the tasting, the Louis Roederer Cristal Rosé 2012 presents an elegant, salmon-pink colour, further highlighting the finesse of its effervescence. Complex and delicate, the bouquet invites the taster to take his or her time to discover the wide range of aromas therein. Fresh, tangy notes of citrus appear first, evoking yuzu, before revealing raspberry and other red berries. Aromas of grilled dried fruits and almonds come next, along with delicate fragrances of verbena and bergamot. On the palate, the Cristal Rosé 2012 unfurls itself slowly, with the timeless grace of a ballerina. The palate reveals a very delicate effervescence, allowing this cuvée to express all of its juicy, fresh fruit flavours through an exquisite freshness and chalky tension. A powerful texture combines with great finesse in a wine with a truly persistent, dazzling finish.