Louis Roederer

The most emblematic cuvée of the Louis Roederer Champagne House, Cristal is a champagne born from the passion of one Russian. It was first created in 1876 exclusively for Tsar Alexander II. At that time, the reputation of Champagne was already growing in Russia, and the emperor asked the Louis Roederer estate to blend a cuvée just for him. But why Cristal? Forever fearful of being attacked or poisoned, Tsar Alexander II made a special request: for his champagne to be presented in a transparent bottle instead of the green glass bottles more common at the time. The bottle would also have to have a flat bottom. For its nobility, crystal was chosen, giving its name to the iconic cuvée. The first prestige cuvée in history, Cristal was initially produced exclusively for the Russian market. It was not until 1924 that Cristal began being sold all over the world, following the Russian revolution of 1917. Since then, only the crystal bottle has been replaced. The shape of the bottle has remained unchanged and it is still adorned by the imperial coat of arms. Today, this sparkling wine is one of the greatest champagnes in the world.

Cristal is an exceptional and rare cuvée, made only in the greatest of years. Like a work of art, this champagne takes form step by step, developing in the process a unique expression of its vintage. Made from a blend of Chardonnay (around 40%) and Pinot Noir (around 60%), this cuvée is above all a great wine that offers a pure expression of its chalky terroirs of origin. Côte des Blancs, the Grands Crus of Montagne de Reims and Vallée de la Marne… Cristal unites the greatest terroirs of Champagne. And because the best things take time, Cristal matures patiently for a minimum of 6 years in the cool, dark chalk cellars of the estate, before ageing an additional 8 months in the bottle after disgorgement.