Louis Roederer Champagne Brut 'Collection 243'

TASTING NOTE: This wine combines the strength, intensity and power of the delectably ripe Pinot Noirs which are balanced to perfection by the chalky freshness and density from the Chardonnay which forms the majority of the blend. The bouquet is open and rich yet also wonderfully fresh with notes of yellow fruit (mirabelle plum) from the Pinot Noir complemented by sweet citrus fruits and delicate notes of white flowers from the Chardonnay. The nose opens up to reveal autolytic characters and evolves towards smoky, roasted notes and freshly baked pastries. The palate is deep and dense with a big, well-structured backbone. The texture is simply mesmerising with its fleshy mouthfeel from the Pinot Noir that coats the palate before giving way to an incredible saline freshness.

ABOUT THE WINE: Roederer’s Collection series replaces the Brut Premier. In response to a warming climate (leading to consistently riper fruit) it was necessary to treat each release of the Roederer multi vintage wines as their own expression rather than trying to emulate a house style. Collection 243 is the 243rd cuvee since the foundation of house Roederer. It is a blend of wines from the 2018 vintage (59%) as well as the house Perpetual Reserve (31%, 2012-2017) and Reserve Wines aged in oak (10%, 2009, 2011, 2013-2017).

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:  Reims based Louis Roederer is one of the few family owned and independent houses amongst the larger producers in Champagne. In 1845, Louis Roederer acquired 15 hectares in the Grand Cru vineyards of Verzenay. Today the house has 242 hectares located exclusively in the Grands and Premiers Crus of the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne, and the Côte des Blancs. Of those 242 hectares, 122 are organically certified and another 10 are certified biodynamic. However, biodynamic principals are used throughout all of their holdings and their flagship wine Cristal is produced from only the best biodynamic fruit. Only the Brut Premier and Collection wines use bought in fruit in their production with all of the other cuvees produced with fruit from their own vineyards. Of all the big names in Champagne, Roederer is the closest in philosophy to the small récoltant manipulant producers that produce wine exclusively from their own fruit.