Louis Roederer
22nd March 2014
When he inherited the Champagne House in 1833, Louis Roederer took a visionary approach to enriching his vines, aiming to master every stage of the wine’s creation. He forged the wine’s unique style, character, and taste. In the mid-nineteenth century, Louis Roederer acquired some of Champagne’s grand cru vineyards—an approach that contrasted sharply with contemporary practices.
While other Houses bought their grapes, Louis Roederer nurtured his vineyards and methodically acquired the finest land. 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; the fame and reputation of the House of Louis Roederer was firmly established.
His heir, Louis Roederer II was equally enlightened and adopted his father’s conscientious approach to the production of champagne, patrimonial estate management, and instinctive audacity.
In the 1870s, the Louis Roederer Champagne House began to export its wines to the United States, and even to Tsar Alexander II of Russia.
Louis Roederer II fashioned an exclusive champagne for the Tsar and launched a novel concept: the very first Cuvée de Prestige. It was created in 1876 and named ‘Cristal’. Ever since, the subtleness and elegance of Cristal have forged Louis Roederer’s reputation for excellence.
The Louis Roederer House has remained an independent, family-owned company and is now managed by Frédéric Rouzaud, who represents the seventh generation of the lineage.
Originally comprised of 100 hectares acquired in 1850, the Estate now extends over 240 hectares—were carefully chosen and acquired in the best terroirs of Champagne, in the Grands and Premiers Crus of the Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs, and the Vallée de la Marne.
The grapes from the 410 parcels are pressed on site. The resulting juices are preserved separately, according to their parcel of origin, in over 450 small stainless steel fermenting tanks, where the fermentation process starts. The House of Louis Roederer exports annually three million bottles around the world.
Shared by Martinel Fitzsimons
Glass of Bubbly
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