This edition of the Louis Roederer Collection 246 isbased onthe 2021 vintage. Its sensory profile features notes of yellow fruit and candied citrus. This gift set contains one bottle (75 cl) and two tasting flutes. This cuvée is perfect for serving with aperitifs, gougères, or oysters.
The production of Louis Roederer Collection 246 champagne
The Terroir
The grapes are sourced from the Marne Valley, the Montagne de Reims, and the Côte des Blancs. A portion of the grapes comes from the house’s own vineyards, which comprise an exceptional 250-hectare estate. Partner vintners supplement this supply with their own grapes. The chalky limestone subsoil of Champagne, rich in belemnites, imparts a characteristic mineral tension on the finish. The selection includes plots certified under the Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne program.
Vinification
Cellar Master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon oversees the blending of this vintage. The base wine from the 2021 harvest accounts for 55% of the total volume. The house incorporates 35% of its perpetual reserve, established during the 2012 harvest. A 10% proportion of wines aged in oak casks completes the blend.
The blend consists of 54% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 11% Meunier. This profile is characterized by a distinct salinity on the finish.
Partial malolactic fermentation is applied to 30% of the batches in stainless steel tanks. Aging on slats takes place over 36 months in underground chalk cellars. Disgorgement precedes the addition of a dosage of 7 g/L. A six-month rest in the cellar concludes the process.
The 2021 Base Year
The 2021 wine-growing year saw highly contrasting weather conditions across the Champagne vineyards. A spring frost struck the young buds from April 6 to 8. Rainfall during the summer months was 30% higher than the ten-year average. The manual harvest took place from September 13 to 30, depending on the exposure of the vineyards.
Partner winemakers stepped up targeted interventions against downy mildew. A systematic sorting of the grapes was carried out directly on the vine. During pressing, only the cuvée juices were retained. The Chardonnay from the soils of the Côte des Blancs exhibited pronounced acidity.
Tasting of the Louis Roederer Collection 246
Appearance
The color is luminous, with consistent golden highlights. The rising bubbles form an elegant column in the glass. The effervescence is lively and dynamic from the very first glance.
Nose
The bouquet opens with notes of mirabelle plum. Nectarine gradually blends with scents of candied lemon peel. Aeration reveals vanilla aromas resulting from partial aging in oak. These primary notes mingle with subtle hints of iodine and roasted notes.
Palate
The attack unfolds with a silky, creamy texture. Flavors of white peach and pollen envelop the mid-palate. The texture lingers with a unique liveliness on the palate. The tasting concludes with a long, chalky finish punctuated by smoky notes.
Pairing Suggestions
- Gougères with aged Comté
- Fine claires oysters
- Smoked salmon on toast
- Butter-roasted lobster
- Sautéed scallops
- Chicken in cream sauce
- Aged Chaource
- Lemon Tart
- Breton shortbread
Expert Review: More Bubbles
This gift set explores Louis Roederer’s new identity. The Collection cuvée replaces Brut Premier, the house’s historic cuvée. The bottle (75cl) comes with two monogrammed flutes designed by master glassmaker Lehmann. These crystal glasses feature a tulip shape to optimize the tasting experience. Their dimensions ensure the ideal development of autolytic aromas during aeration. The set makes for a luxurious gift box perfectly suited for a corporate gift. Fans of crisp Chardonnay will also appreciate the Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, whose profile shares this same lively aromatic profile with citrus notes.
Storage and Serving Recommendations
How should this champagne be stored?
Our shipping boxes are specially designed for delivering champagne. The box includes shock-absorbing protection to ensure the flutes arrive safely. Once the package is received, the bottle should be stored lying down in a dark cellar. A constant temperature of 12°C preserves the elasticity of the cork.
Aging potential
The malic acidity preserved from the base year ensures structured aging in the cellar.
- Immediate tasting: The profile expresses distinct aromas of yuzu and fresh lemon.
- Aromatic maturity phase (within 4 years): The cuvée develops notes of buttery pastries.
- Tertiary development phase (in 5 to 6 years): Autolysis reveals complex nuances of toasted hazelnut.
Serving recommendations
Serve this cuvée around 10°C to preserve its mineral tension. Hand-cleaning the Lehmann flutes ensures a generous perlage. Aeration in the glass dissipates the reductive notes perceived upon disgorgement. Gradual warming reveals the identity of the black Champagne grape varieties in the blend.
Trivia about this cuvée
The number 246 refers to the number of blends produced since the brand’s founding. This numbering marks the end of Brut Premier production after several decades. Cellar Master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon adapts each vintage to the climatic conditions of the harvest. The proportion of reserve wines is adjusted to maintain a consistent stylistic signature. This bottle serves as an excellent introduction to the winemaking methods of Cristal Louis Roederer.
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