The name Louis Roederer is renowned as one of the most exclusive manufacturers of quality champagne. Founded in the year 1776, the Champagne House has always been family-owned and is now managed by Frédéric Rouzaud in the 7th generation. In search of the ultimate freshness – and also owing to global warming – Louis Roederer is breaking new ground as a 'maison innovateur par tradition'. Following the motto, 'the winemaker adapts to nature and the climate', it was decided to forge a new and bold path: a transition to multi-vintage cuvées using a completely new procedure – revolutionary for the company. The Louis Roederer Collection was born.
THE ART OF ASSEMBLAGE
Overcoming adversity and obstacles often leads to the creation of the most beautiful things. Propelled by a new impetus, the house of Louis Roederer decided to give its wine compositions a totally new style. Based on their initial deliberations, a concept was developed, which is writing a new chapter in the company’s history: They decided to bid farewell to the non-vintage method – the uniform house style of the Brut Premier – which had been used previously. To allow nature to give the beat, and to adapt to the changed ripening processes and harvesting times caused by global warming with sustainable viticulture practices. And above all: to switch to a new procedure that can achieve the desired freshness and outstanding quality. A courageous step. 'Collection' proves that the new strategy is a success: an elite multi-vintage creation, an artistic assemblage composed of wines of different vintages. The central component is Réserve Perpétuelle, a perpetual reserve that Louis Roederer began in 2012 and supplemented in the following years. The blend consists of half Pinot noir and half Chardonnay, and retains its optimal freshness due to being stored in stainless steel tanks. The assemblage of Réserve Perpétuelle with a current vintage and other reserve wines stored in oak barrels produces exquisite cuvées, which perfect the Collection. Its style: to highlight the best from every year.
The Collection starts with the champagne edition 242. There’s a story behind the number: It refers to the 2017 vintage used in this assemblage, which was the 242nd harvest since the founding year of 1776. Thanks to the new multi-vintage character, the Collection cuvée achieves a quality enhancement to a level that surpasses the already outstanding Brut Premier and belongs to the very highest quality champagnes. This is combined with the most important aspects of the Collection’s new philosophy: freedom, transparency, modernity, freshness, fruit, accessibility, complexity, lightness. The dégustation was highly anticipated and confirmed the status of the 242 as a great champagne with freshness, depth and a richness of aroma. It gives rise to an abundance of different notes: the light sweetness of pale fruits, refreshing touches of citrus zest and the comforting warmth of acacia blossoms. If you wait a while and allow it to breathe, you will discover roasted hazelnut aromas and an exciting, lightly salty note. A wonderful delight and definitely an object of desire for every collection, because this champagne will harmoniously evolve over time to unfold even more complex and precise aromas. With facets that are fascinating and individual, due to the varying development of the wines involved, future assemblages of the Collection are bound to impress. My conclusion: Louis Roederer has shown courage, innovative thinking and visionary foresight. Collection − the evolution of its excellence.
Terroirs
1/3 'La Rivière' vineyards (i.e. Vallée de la Marne)
1/3 'Montagne' vineyards (i.e. Montagne de Reims)
1/3 'La Côte' vineyards (i.e. Côte des Blancs)
Grape varieties
42 % Chardonnay
36 % Pinot Noir
22 % Meunier
242nd Blend
2017 Harvest
Reserve wines aged in oak
12 % (2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)
Perpetual reserve
34 % (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 und 2016)
Dosage
8 g/l
