Champagne Louis Roederer Rich NV

Notes - Established in 1776, Champagne Louis Roederer is one of the few remaining completely independent, family owned Champagne houses. By 1886 the House had achieved such a reputation for quality that the second Louis Roederer was asked by Tsar Alexander II to create Cristal for the exclusive use of the Russian Tsars, and in so doing created the first Cuvée de Prestige. Roederer owns just over 200 hectares of vineyards located in the finest areas of Champagne - Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blancs. Each vineyard is situated in the finest sites, with the plots ranking between 95% and 100% on the Echelle des Crus. This makes Roederer self sufficient for 100% of its vintage styles, and provides two-thirds of its production for Brut Premier. Such a high proportion of ‘estate’ grapes is very unusual in Champagne, and ensures superior quality at all stages from grape to glass. The blend of grapes used is: 56% Pinot Noir, 34% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Meunier. Included in the blend is 10% of reserve wines, which give Rich its extra dimension. Reserve wines are made up of the best wines from at least 3 former vintages, which are set aside to age in large oak casks in the Reserve Wine Cellar. The dosage of 32 g/L (compared wirth 12g/L for the Brut Premier) and the use of reserve wines make it a richer, rounder style that is drier that Demi-Sec styles of Champagne. A pale golden colour, the complexity of the blend is not masked by the dosage of sugar. The inclusion of reserve wines aged in wood between 4 and 10 years is more perceptible than in the "Brut" quality champagnes. This wine is a good accompaniment to fruit tarts (apple, pear, or red fruits) and other desserts which are not too sweet.
 
     

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