Champagne Louis Roederer is a visit you must make on your next trip to Reims. The house has been a leader of both biodynamic and organic farming in the Champagne region. Champagne Louis Roederer should be included on your Reims itinerary.

History

Champagne Louis Roederer was founded in Reims in 1776 as Dubois Père & Fils. Louis Roederer inherited the house in 1883 from his uncle. He knew the importance of the vineyards and knew that by taking great care of the vines the champagne would be positively affected. He quickly acquired some Grand Cru vineyards. The importance of the soil and the vines was embedded in the house and it still exists today. During the late 19th century, the house of Louis Roederer began exporting their champagnes to Russia and the United States. The Tsar became a fan of the champagne house and Louis Roederer II created the very first tete-de-cuvée (prestige bottling) in 1876. The bottle was made of crystal and was aptly named Cristal. The bottom of the bottle is flat, as the Tsar did not want a bomb hidden within the punt of the bottle. This requires the glass to be extra strong to ensure the pressure does not break the bottle. There is a sculpture of the Tsar inside the Louis Roederer cellar entrance.

The house is still family owned currently by the 7th generation and still creates Cristal in only the finest vintages. Currently the vineyards and winemaking is managed by Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon. Mr. Lécaillon has been working with the house since 1989 and has been the cellar master since 1999. Jean-Baptiste has been hard at work converting the vineyards to biodynamic and organic farming. As of 2012, all of the family owned vineyards are biodynamic. The house still buys fruit from growers who also share organic or biodynamic principles. The Brut Premier is the only champagne that is not 100 percent estate fruit. All of the other styles are made with only estate fruit. Horses are used in the vineyards and new techniques are always being tested to continue to enhance the winemaking practices.

Visit in Reims - Champagne Louis Roederer is by appointment only for those in the wine industry. If you are able to get an appointment it is not to be missed. You are greeted in the reception hall which houses all of the styles of champagne and has walls of Cristal. It is a gorgeous setting and no detail is missed. During this time you are able to watch video on the house. You are then taken to the cellars, where you see the statue of the Tsar, a map of all of the Louis Roederer vineyards, and learn more about the history of the house which includes the importance of Camille who became a widow in 1933 who hosted many parties and receptions which created brand awareness for Louis Roederer. Afterwards, you head into the cellars where you see the bottles lined up sur lattes as well as the large wooden barrels where the champagne is aged. Some of the barrels are carved with art and tells the story of the vineyards and the house. These are very cool to see! I loved all of the art on the barrels. The barrels are also labeled with the vineyard and the vintage year. You continue in the cellars and see the large stainless steel tanks and more of the winemaking process. One of the coolest things I saw was stainless steel barriques (small barrels made of stainless steel)! You also see where the bottles are riddled as well as where the disgorgment takes place. On your way back to the tasting room, we touched one of the walls made from chalk to understand the significance chalk has especially in the Blanc de Blancs.

The tasting consisted of tasting the Vintage 2012, Vintage Rosé and the Vintage Blanc de Blancs. The Vintage Brut is usually 70% Pinot noir and 30% Chardonnay and 30% of the blend is wine matured in the oak tuns. The oak tuns will add some oxidative character to the champagne. It is aged in the cellars on the lees for four years in order to develop the champagne bouquet of toasty character. There is a lovely acidity that shines through and flavors of apple, almonds amuse the palate. There is power and structure as well as finesse with the 2012 Vintage. The Blanc de Blancs has that lovely acidity from the Cotes-des-Blancs. It is crisp and fresh with flavors of apple, pear and blossom. I always enjoy this style and the Louis Roederer Blanc de Blancs is one that I truly enjoy time and time again. The Vintage Rosé is 65% Pinot Noir and 35% Chardonnay. It has intense berry flavors and lovely blossom characteristics. This was an excellent tasting and it was fun to taste the three different vintages and styles side by side. Santé!