Initially founded in 1776 as Dubois Père & Fils, Louis Roederer inherited the company from his uncle and renamed it in 1833. “Louis Roederer’s guiding principle was that all great wine depends on the quality of the soil, a passion for tradition, and an astute vision of the future.” In 1979 Jean-Claude Rouzaud, grandson of Camille Olry Roederer, inherited this house. His son, Frédéric Rouzaud, has been the director of the company since 2006. Roederer remains an independent family-run house.

Roederer’s ultra-premium Cristal was created in 1876 to satisfy the tastes of Alexander II, Tsar of Russia. The emperor asked Louis Roederer to reserve the House’s best cuvée for him every year. This distinguished cuvee was named after this precious material.

Only produced from great vintages, the blend is typically 40% Chardonnay and 60% Pinot Noir. The resulting cuvee is aged for six years in the Louis Roederer’s cellars. The pale yellow color is luminous to the eye with a mousse that is finely textured with persistent bubbles. The bouquet is enchanting as though you are immersed in a French patisserie with floral bouquets surrounding you. The complex saline core reveals the pedigree of this wine with sliced lemons, freshly buttered toast, finely chiseled chalk, beeswax and crushed almonds. This flawless wine remains sleek and racy as it flows effortlessly across your palate for minutes. Take time to savor this dream as it remains the benchmark for other Champagne houses to follow.

By W Peter Hoyne