Champagne Louis Roederer was established in 1776 and is now run by the 7th generation of the family, Frédéric Rouzaud. With over 240 hectares of vineyards located exclusively in the Grands and Premiers Crus villages, Champagne Louis Roederer is self-sufficient for approximately 70% of their non-vintage production and 100% of their vintage champagnes.
Pioneers in sustainable farming, Louis Roederer use organic practices in all their vineyards, and are certified organic in 115 hectares, with the remainder of the estate in conversion. The whole estate uses biodynamic practices and is inspired by the concepts of permaculture. Working hand in hand with nature, respecting terroir and the pursuit of taste underpins everything they do.
A great Rosé champagne must be made from very ripe grapes – something difficult to obtain in the Champagne climate. As a result, Louis Roederer has chosen to invest in one of the earliest Champagne curs villages, Cumières, for which the steeply-sloping, shallow clay and limestone soils face south and benefit from additional light reflected from the river Marne, enabling great phenolic maturity to be achieved. In these select terroirs, Louis Roederer applies the precision wine-making methods required to craft a siagnée rosé. The Chardonnay is from the north facing slopes in Chouilly, bringing bright and fresh notes.
Over the years Louis Roederer has developed a unique technique for the production of its rosé champagnes. This process, referred to by Roederer as the ‘infusion’ technique, allows us to bring out the juicy, ripe character of the Pinot Noirs whilst preserving their exceptional freshness. A small amount of Chardonnay juice is added to the Pinot Noir maceration which then ferment together and integrate harmoniously.
The cuvée Rosé 2016 is 62% Pinot noir and 38% Chardonnay, 21% was fermented in oak, 4% went through malolactic and it has a dosage of 8g/l
The 2016 vintage was characterised by particularly marked weather variations: spring was cool, wet and relatively late whereas summer was warm and dry with a heatwave in late august followed by dry and sunny weather over the harvest period which was highly beneficial to the ripening of the grapes. Our Pinot noirs thrived in these dry, sunny conditions and the heat has given them an intensely fruit character and silky smooth texture. The Chardonnays are just as outstanding although more chiselled and saline in character
The summery bouquet shows exceptional intensity and freshness with its aromas of ripe, juicy stone fruit (wild peach) complemented by zesty red fruit (redcurrant) and citrus notes (blood orange). Upon aeration, the nose develops more jammy notes of Roussillon red apricot.
The palate is soft, juicy and concentrated on entry and then quickly shows a chalky, saline freshness that structures the wine and lends it a voluptuous yet delicate mouthfeel. The juicy, ripe fruit (nectarine and wild peach) and citrus (lemon) give the wine a fresh, zesty character that is underpinned by a subtle hint of bitterness. The soft, delicate bubbles coat the palate and impart a velvety texture. The end palate is mouth-watering and ever so slightly salty with discreet tannins and a lovely subtle bitterness that complements the incredible dry chalkiness of the wine and lingers on the seemingly never-ending finish.
90 Points – Vinous Media
‘The 2016 Brut Rosé is charming. Soft and inviting, the 2016 will drink beautifully right out of the gate. Readers will find a beautifully perfumed, gracious Rosé. The 2016 is not the richest or most complex vintage Rosé Roederer has released lately, but it is impeccably balanced and very easy to enjoy for its sensual personality.’ – Antonio Galloni
Champagne, France
62% Pinot noir
38% Chardonnay
Cork
12.5
8g/l
