Champagne Théophile is today the successor of “Théo” champagne which enjoyed its heyday in the 1930s when honourable establishments of Montparnasse served it to regale artists and night-owls alike. Théophile is now produced by Louis Roederer in keeping in the style which made its success. It should not be considered Roederer’s second wine as stylistically it is distinct to Roederer. There is a genuine family relationship, however, with key differences setting this champagne apart and making it all the more intriguing.
Théophile is made from grapes from the younger Louis Roederer vines (less than ten years old) combined with Pinot Meunier purchased from the Marne Valley and the west of the Montaigne de Reims.
The wine is a blend of four years’ harvest and is matured for an average of two years in the cellars, then left to rest for six months after disgorgement. Partial malolactic fermentation and the use of 30% of reserve wines give this wine a very distinctive character.
A pale light gold with long-lasting fine bubbles. On the nose there is a rich, subtle bouquet with hints of white flowers and hawthorn. The mouth offers a lively bite with a creamy structure. It is perfectly balanced, full-bodied and generous, with a refined, lip-puckering zing adding just the right touch of provocation.
This non-vintage may be enjoyed as an aperitif, but its structure also makes it suitable for many different wine-food combinations.
Serve at 12°C
AOC Champagne
33% Chardonnay
33% Pinot Meunier
33% Pinot Noir
Natural cork
12.5%
10/11 g/l
Yes
No (horses may be used at ploughing)