Louis Roederer

Louis Roederer

Louis Roederer, founder of the champagne house

Louis Roederer is a renowned Champagne house based in Reims, France. Founded in 1776, it is one of the few remaining family-owned independent Champagne producers. The house is particularly famous for its premium champagne, Cristal, which was created in 1876 for Alexander II of Russia.

History

The origins of Louis Roederer trace back to 1776 when it was established as Dubois Père & Fils. In 1833, the founder's nephew, Louis Roederer, inherited the company and renamed it after himself. Under his leadership, the house expanded its vineyards and focused on producing high-quality champagne, which quickly gained international acclaim.

During the 19th century, Louis Roederer was one of the first champagne houses to export its products to Russia, where it became the official supplier to the Imperial Court. This relationship with the Russian court led to the creation of the iconic Cristal champagne.

Vineyards

Louis Roederer owns over 240 hectares of vineyards, primarily located in the Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, and Côte des Blancs regions. The vineyards are planted with the three main grape varieties used in champagne production: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier.

The house is committed to sustainable viticulture and has implemented organic and biodynamic practices across its vineyards. This approach ensures the highest quality grapes, which are essential for producing their prestigious champagnes.

Production

The production process at Louis Roederer is meticulous, with a focus on quality and tradition. The house uses a combination of stainless steel tanks and oak barrels for fermentation, allowing for a balance of freshness and complexity in their wines.

The champagnes are aged in the cellars for extended periods, often exceeding the minimum requirements set by the Champagne AOC. This aging process contributes to the depth and richness of the final product.

Cristal

The range of Louis Roederer champagnes

Cristal is the flagship champagne of Louis Roederer, known for its elegance and finesse. It was originally created in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II, who requested a special cuvée in a clear, flat-bottomed bottle to distinguish it from other champagnes.

Cristal is made from a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, sourced from the best vineyards owned by the house. It is aged for a minimum of six years in the cellars before release, ensuring a complex and refined taste profile.

Legacy

Louis Roederer remains a symbol of luxury and excellence in the world of champagne. The house continues to be family-owned, with the current generation maintaining the traditions and values established by its founder.

The commitment to quality and innovation has allowed Louis Roederer to remain at the forefront of the champagne industry, producing wines that are celebrated worldwide.

Related pages

• Champagne production
• History of Champagne
• List of Champagne houses