Sparkling dry
The 2008 vintage Late Release is a special edition of Cristal, given an extended ageing period. The champagne is made from ‘Pinot Noir’ and ‘Chardonnay’ grapes sourced from Grand Cru vineyards in Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne and Côte des Blancs. It is based on a selection of 45 individual vineyard plots.
The 2008 growing season in Champagne was cool and dry. Although the summer was not particularly sunny, slow and even grape ripening resulted in an excellent balance between natural acidity and flavour concentration. The cool conditions preserved freshness, while the dry climate and chalk-rich soils contributed to the wine’s density and pronounced mineral character.
The nose reveals candied citrus fruits, dried apricots, almonds, wheat and delicate notes of lightly roasted cocoa beans. On the palate, concentrated ripe fruit is accompanied by hints of white chocolate, toasted bread and spices. Chalky minerality and saline notes bring tension and precision, while the smooth, integrated texture leads into a long, complex finish, revealing layers of cedar, refined bitter notes and subtle tobacco aromas.
The Late Release version spent almost 13 years ageing on its lees, followed by a further four years under cork in the producer’s cellars. It was disgorged on 16 March 2022, with a dosage of 8 g/l. This extended ageing has given the champagne greater aromatic complexity, a more integrated texture and a finer mousse, while preserving the freshness characteristic of the 2008 vintage.
A mature, multilayered and remarkably precise champagne, in which extended ageing does not diminish freshness but enhances it with additional aromatic and textural dimensions. Cristal Late Release 2008 is made not only for special occasions, but also for leisurely enjoyment, allowing its different layers of maturity to unfold in the glass.
Serve at a temperature of 10–12 °C with oysters, scallops, lobster, or white fish.
The Louis Roederer Champagne House, established in 1776 in Reims, France, has been crafting top-quality champagne, esteemed worldwide, for over 240 years. This independent, family-owned house gained fame for creating the legendary "Cristal prestige cuvee." To this day, the company's management remains in the hands of the family, with the seventh-generation representative, Frédéric Rouzaud, currently at the helm. Louis Roederer distinguishes itself by producing the majority of its champagnes exclusively from grapes grown in its own vineyards, a significant portion of which are located in prestigious Grand Cru territories.
Unique Louis Roederer Champagne Style
Louis Roederer champagnes are characterized by their elegance, subtlety, perfect balance, and aging potential. Great emphasis is placed on the highest quality grapes from their own vineyards and a meticulous winemaking process.
Brut Premier: The flagship multi-vintage champagne of the house, known for its balanced flavor and elegance. It is a harmonious blend of approximately 40% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, and 20% Pinot Meunier.
Vintage: A vintage champagne produced in exceptional years, typically dominated by Pinot Noir (around 70%) and complemented by Chardonnay (around 30%). It exhibits complexity and aging potential.
Blanc de Blancs: A 100% Chardonnay champagne, distinguished by its minerality, elegance, and freshness.
Rosé Vintage: An elegant rosé champagne, usually made from Pinot Noir (around 70%) with a small amount of Chardonnay (around 30%). It offers notes of red berries and flowers.
Cristal: The prestigious cuvée, created specifically for Tsar Alexander II, made only from the best vintages of Chardonnay (around 40%) and Pinot Noir (around 60%) grapes. It is known for its impeccable balance, elegance, and aging potential.
Cristal Rosé: A luxurious rosé version of Cristal, produced using the saignée method from Pinot Noir (around 55%) and Chardonnay (around 45%) grapes.
Prestigious Louis Roederer Vineyards
Louis Roederer owns an impressive 240 hectares of vineyards, most of which are located in Grand Cru and Premier Cru areas.
Montagne de Reims: Renowned for high-quality Pinot Noir grapes, which provide structure and strength to the champagnes.
Côte des Blancs: Famous for elegant and mineral Chardonnay grapes.
Vallée de la Marne: Contributes to the complexity of the champagnes with Pinot Meunier grapes.
Their own vineyards allow Louis Roederer to strictly control the quality of the grapes and ensure the distinctiveness of their champagnes.
Aging and Best Time to Enjoy
Louis Roederer champagnes are aged for a long time in cellars, giving them more complexity and subtlety. Even the basic Brut Premier is aged for several years. Vintage and prestige cuvée champagnes, such as Cristal, are aged even longer, gaining exceptional depth and elegance. These champagnes have excellent aging potential and can be enjoyed both young and mature.
