The 2017 Blanc de Blancs cuvée from Champagne Louis Roederer embodies the quintessence of the Côte des Blancs in a balanced vintage. Made entirely from Chardonnay grapes grown in the historic terroirs of Avize and Mesnil-sur-Oger, it reveals crystalline precision and a delicately chalky texture. It is a champagne of purity, both vibrant and caressing, designed for lovers of finesse and mineral elegance.
Presented here in a bottle with a case, this cuvée expresses the luminous signature of Champagne Chardonnay: tension, energy, and saline length. The 2017 vintage displays its restrained freshness and rare balance between maturity and liveliness.
The production of Louis Roederer's 2017 Blanc de Blancs champagne
This vintage Blanc de Blancs is made from Chardonnay selected from the chalky slopes of Avize and Mesnil-sur-Oger. These plots with exposed chalk produce grapes that ripen slowly, ensuring a clean acidity and an aromatic expression of great purity.
- The Chardonnay (100%) brings freshness, brightness, and purity, with floral and mineral notes characteristic of the Côte des Blancs.
The terroir
The Chardonnays come from the Grands Crusof Avize and Mesnil-sur-Oger, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. On these east- and southeast-facing slopes, the crumbly chalk provides ideal drainage and keeps the grapes constantly cool.
Vinification
Approximately 23% of the wines were vinified in oak barrels, without malolactic fermentation, in order to preserve the straightforwardness and natural liveliness of the Chardonnay. Long aging on fine lees amplifies the creamy texture and aromatic complexity. The Extra Brut dosage (8 g/L) balances the tension of the vintage without altering the purity of the fruit. This meticulous work, under the direction of Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, aims to restore the quintessence of Champagne Chardonnay, between energy and subtlety.
The 2017 vintage
A year of contrasts in Champagne, 2017 was marked by an early spring followed by localized frosts, then a hot, dry summer. In the Côte des Blancs, these conditions concentrated the ripeness of the Chardonnay, while preserving a fresh and lively acidity. In Avize and Mesnil-sur-Oger, the chalk played an essential role in regulating moisture, allowing for slow and balanced ripening. The result is a precise wine, structured by chalky tension and illuminated by remarkable aromatic purity.
Tasting notes
Color
Pale gold with green highlights. Fine, regular effervescence. Crystal clear and persistent cordon, heralding a champagne of great vitality.
Nose
Aromas of lemon zest, white flowers, crisp pear, and wet chalk. Aeration reveals nuances of fresh hazelnut and toasted bread. Straightforward, pure, and expressive nose.
Palate
Tense and chiseled attack. Chalky texture, balance between tension and caress. Notes of white fruit, almond, and citrus zest. Long and mouthwatering finish, typical of Mesnil.
Food pairing
This Blanc de Blancs pairs beautifully with delicate, salty dishes. The purity of Chardonnay and its saline tension call for dishes with fine textures, gentle cooking, and precise seasoning. It enhances seafood and white poultry.
- Fine oysters
- Sea bream tartare
- Blini with smoked salmon
- Pan-fried scallops
- Fillet of sole with white butter sauce
- Truffled free-range chicken
- Frosted lemon
- Poached white peach
- Citrus tart
Storage and serving
Storing this vintage
Store the bottle at 10–12°C in the dark, at 70% humidity, lying down to preserve the cork. Avoid vibration and temperature fluctuations.
Ageing potential
Optimal window: 2025–2038. When young, this champagne displays tension and mineral purity. From 2027 to 2032, it will gain in amplitude, revealing notes of brioche, honey, and fresh almonds. Around 2035, the texture will become silkier and the bouquet more buttery, while retaining its chalky freshness.
Serving
Serve between 9 and 10°C in a tulip glass. Do not decant. Open a few minutes before tasting to allow the aromas to fully develop. Keep in an ice bucket with two-thirds water and one-third ice.
Opinion of thewine guides