Louis Roederer Collection 245 NV 375ml

Product Information: A symbol of the freedom of the Louis Roederer style, Collection continues the story of this champagne that encapsulates all of Roederer’s savoir-faire and reflects its constant pursuit of quality. Collection is based on a multi-vintage blend of wines from selected vineyard plots in the heart of the Champagne terroirs with a focus on sustainable growing. The 245th blend is based on the 2020 vintage, blended with a perpetual reserve to build texture and complexity. There’s a lovely golden yellow hue. Persistent lively bubbles. Bouquet of yellow fruits (nectarine) and ripe, concentrated citrus (lemon) complemented by sweet notes of petals, pollen, sugared almonds and wheat. The palate is velvety; unctuous, rich and juicy. The bubbles have an almost saline character to them and coat the palate with a broad and concentrated texture. The wine reveals an exceptional balance between structure and a crisp. powdery, saline chalky freshness. Smoky and slightly oaky notes linger on a deliciously well-honed finish. From equal parts of their estate vineyards la Rivière, la Montagne and la Côte. 41% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 24% Meunier. The 245th blend is comprised of 55% of the 2020 harvest, 35% Perpetual reserve wine from 2012-2019) and 10% reserve wines aged in oak (2010, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019). Acidity is softened with 22% malolactic fermentation and a low dosage of 7g per litre is added before bottling. Maker: Louis Roederer is a highly respected Champagne producer located in the historic city of Reims. The renowned Champagne house, founded in the late 1700s, is still owned and operated by the Roederer family. Their signature style consists of an equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with a touch of Pinot Meunier, which comprises approximately one-fifth of the blend. Louis Roederer’s most famous wine is Cristal, a prestigious Champagne that has captured the hearts of wine enthusiasts worldwide. The house was founded in 1833 and aimed to capture foreign markets, particularly Russia. Roederer became the wine of choice for the Russian royal family, and Cristal was created for Tsar Alexander II. Louis Roederer acquired grand cru vineyards in Champagne in 1845, which was unusual for the time as most houses were buying grapes from growers. Today, the Roederer vineyards encompass around 240 hectares of land, with around 25% managed biodynamically. This commitment to sustainable farming practices is a testament to the house’s dedication to producing high-quality wines that are both delicious and environmentally responsible. The Vineyard: The year 2020 followed a similar trajectory to that of 2019 with a mild and rainy winter followed by a dry summer with several heatwaves which, although less extreme than in 2019, still had an impact on the yield. Fortunately, the weather was rather dull and a bit wet in June which provided a welcome humid interlude between two dry spells. Despite early impressions of relentless heat and sunshine, the temperatures and sunshine levels over the 2020 harvest period were actually relatively normal. These continental conditions, but with “normal” annual averages, enabled the production of mature and well-balanced wines! The harvests took place between 22 August and 11 September 2020. Nose – Nectarine, Lemon, Sugared Almonds Bouquet of yellow fruits (nectarine) and ripe, concentrated citrus (lemon) complemented by sweet notes of petals, pollen, sugared almonds and wheat. Palate – Unctuous, Rich, Broad The palate is velvety; unctuous, rich and juicy. The bubbles have an almost saline character to them and coat the palate with a broad and concentrated texture. Finish – Crisp, Chalky, Slight Oak The wine reveals an exceptional balance between structure and a crisp, powdery, saline chalky freshness. Smoky and slightly oaky notes linger on a deliciously well-honed finish. The Finer Details Style – Champagne Varietal – 41% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot noir, 24% Pinot Meunier. Country – France Region – Champagne Vintage – Non-Vintage Bottle Size – 375ml ABV – 12.5% Closure – Cork