Fascinated by the diverse aromatic qualities of the Pinot Noir grapes in Champagne, Louis Roederer uses the structure and power of the Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims to create its Vintage. Exposed to the north-east, the grapes mature more slowly and produce wines that are sometimes rough and closed at the beginning of the ageing process, but their character intensifies and becomes more refined through ageing in wood over long periods. In 1850, Louis Roederer acquired 15 hectares in the Grand Cru vineyard of Verzenay in order to master the cultivation of the grapes in this cuvée.
Pinot Noir from Verzy and Chardonnay from Chouilly
The blend is 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, with 39% of the wine vinified in oak tuns with weekly bâtonnage (stirring by hand); it i has 27% malolactic fermentation. The Vintage cuvée is aged, on average, for four years in Louis Roederer’s cellars and left for six months after dégorgement (disgorging) to attain optimal maturity. The dosage is 9 g/l.
2013 was characterised by a particularly late growing cycle. The never-ending winter was followed
by a very cool, late spring. We had to wait until the start of July for flowering to begin – something we hadn’t seen in Champagne for quite some time! Fortunately, summer was glorious with plenty of
sunshine, record high temperatures and very low rainfall, ideal for the ripening of the Pinot noirs and
Chardonnays. The temperatures were cool for the October harvest and the resulting wines are elegant and fresh – the signs of a “classic” vintage.
Golden yellow hue with clear, bright tints.
Elegant, dynamic and softly integrated effervescence. The nose is initially subtle and quite restrained. It gradually opens up to reveal a bouquet of orchard fruits such as apples and pears, and evolves towards slightly sweet floral and honeyed notes, before giving way to concentrated citrus aromas and zesty redcurrant fruit.
The attack is rich, concentrated, broad, deep and fruity. It reveals the strength and maturity of the Pinot noir from Verzy through its concentrated body, fresh herbal notes and hint of spice and ginger. The unique Verzy terroir, in which the Pinot noirs are grown, is combined with traditional ageing methods with a high proportion of French oak barrels to create a myriad of smoky, spicy and mineral notes. The palate is structured by a herbal freshness that makes it well suited to gastronomy and results in a sensation bordering on umami.
Serve lightly chilled in tulip shaped glasses
96 points JamesSuckling.com
17.5 Jancis Robinson MW: “Very winning and glamorous. Beautifully balanced. A powerful thread running through it. Creamy texture”
AOC Champagne
70% Pinot Noir
30% Chardonnay
Cork
12%
9g/l
Yes
No
