Since 1776, Maison Louis Roederer has embodied the quintessence of Champagne artistry. Combining the mastery of a unique terroir with unwavering standards, this estate offers a range of exceptional champagnes that reflect its philosophy and expertise passed down from generation to generation.
Location and area
Maison Louis Roederer is located primarily around Reims, in the prestigious wine region of Champagne. Its vineyard extends over approximately 240 hectares, distributed across the finest crus of the Montagne de Reims, the Marne Valley, and the Côte des Blancs. This heritage allows Louis Roederer to control grape supply and ensure remarkable consistency in the quality of its champagnes. The House meticulously selects its plots, favoring those classified as Grand Cru and Premier Cru, to express all the richness and diversity of Champagne terroirs.
A secular history
Founded in 1776, Maison Louis Roederer quickly established itself as one of the great names in champagne. It owes its rise to Louis Roederer, who, from 1833, conceived a unique model of integrated vineyard management. This bold choice guaranteed independence and control of production, from vine to cellar.
The creation of Cuvée Cristal in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II marked a historic turning point, propelling Roederer onto the international stage. Still in the hands of the same family, the House perpetuates this heritage, combining tradition and innovation to craft champagnes recognized worldwide.
Everything you need to know about the terroir
Location and exposure
Maison Louis Roederer has ideally situated plots on the south-facing slopes of the Montagne de Reims, the Côte des Blancs, and the Marne Valley. This strategic location offers a mosaic of exposures, alternating gentle slopes and steep hillsides. The vines thus benefit from optimal sunshine and climatic conditions conducive to slow and complete grape maturation. This diversity of exposures allows Roederer to compose precise blends, revealing the complexity and balance of each terroir.
Geology
The soils of the Louis Roederer vineyard rest mainly on a chalky base, typical of Champagne. This chalk, sometimes mixed with clay or sand, promotes drainage and water regulation while conferring finesse and freshness to the wines. The geological typicity of each plot is carefully preserved during vinification.
Climate
The vineyard benefits from an oceanic climate with continental tendencies, marked by cold winters and moderate summers. Regular precipitation and thermal amplitude between day and night allow for progressive grape maturation. This northern freshness guarantees the vivacity, balance, and aging capacity of Louis Roederer champagnes.
Cultural practices and sustainable commitment
Louis Roederer distinguishes itself through its commitment to sustainable viticulture. The estate practices biodynamics on more than 115 hectares and favors environmentally respectful methods. Soil work, natural grass cover, biological treatments: each gesture aims to preserve soil life and the authentic expression of grape varieties. This commitment results in grapes of optimal quality, living reflections of their terroir.
Elaboration and aging
Vinification at Louis Roederer is based on plot selection and extreme attention to each stage. Grapes are hand-harvested, gently pressed, and vinified largely in stainless steel tanks, with a high proportion of reserve wines aged in oak casks. Aging on lees extends aromatic complexity and aging is often well beyond appellation requirements, conferring finesse and length. This exigency guarantees the inimitable signature of Maison Louis Roederer.
The cuvées signed Louis Roederer
Brut Nature, the pioneering spirit of the House
The Brut Nature and Brut Nature Rosé champagnes, exclusively from the Coteaux de Cumières, embody the delicate and aromatic style of Louis Roederer. These cuvées combine purity and aromatic richness, with design labels and an innovative gift box, in collaboration with Philippe Starck.
Vintage cuvées, the quintessence of each vintage
The Vintage, Rosé, and Blanc de Blancs cuvées sublimate the great terroirs of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They express with refinement the quintessence of each vintage, recognized for their finesse, precision, and harmony.
Collection cuvées: remarkable blends
The "Collection" bottles from Louis Roederer aim to refine the quality of multi-vintage blends. Composed of grapes from "La Rivière," "La Montagne," and "La Côte," it includes a base vintage, reserve wines aged in wood, and wine from the "perpetual reserve" begun in 2012. Each edition is unique but always representative of Roederer identity.
Cristal by Louis Roederer, a prestige cuvée
Cuvée Cristal, initially created for Tsar Alexander II, is the first prestige champagne from 1876. Exclusively Russian until 1924, it comes from old vines and is famous for its chalky terroirs.
