Louis Roederer

Collection 246 | Bottle 75cl - Box

Description

Louis Roederer Collection 246 embodies the spirit of renewal at the House: a champagne of precision, energy, and balance, designed to express the continuity of the Roederer style through time. Presented here in a bottle with a case, this edition continues the approach initiated with Collection 242, where each number embodies a new blend built on a base of harvest, enriched by the Perpetual Reserve and reserve wines aged in wood.

The production of Louis Roederer's Collection 246 champagne

Blend

The Collection 246 cuvée illustrates Maison Roederer's desire to express a freer, more precise Champagne identity, deeply rooted in the purity of the fruit. The balance between the three major grape varieties of Champagne gives it its harmonious structure and refined tension.

• Chardonnay (54%) brings purity, brightness, and saline freshness.
• Pinot Noir (35%) offers structure, density, and fruity fullness.
• Meunier (11%) ensures roundness, cohesion, and aromatic suppleness.

This edition is based on the 2021 harvest (55%), supplemented by the Perpetual Reserve (35%) covering the years 2012 to 2020, and by reserve wines aged in wood (10%). In total, 24% of the wines were aged in large oak casks, giving the cuvée extra texture and complexity.

The terroir

Collection 246 brings together the three great terroirs dear to Louis Roederer. The vines of La Rivière (Marne Valley) bring charm and supple fruit. Those of La Montagne (Montagne de Reims) offer structure and poise, while La Côte (Côte des Blancs) brings the chalky brightness and tension of Chardonnay. This mosaic of crus expresses the soul of the Roederer style, combining fullness, freshness, and a salty finish.

Vinification

Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats preserves the purity of the fruit and aromatic precision, while aging in oak casks for 24% of the wines confers richness, depth, and a slightly smoky patina. Partial malolactic fermentation (approximately 30%) preserves the wine's integrity while softening its texture. The Réserve Perpétuelle, which has been added since 2012, brings continuity of style and unprecedented depth. Finally, a dosage of 7 g/L highlights the freshness and purity of the finish, striking a balance between tension and charm.

The 2021 vintage (multi-vintage cuvée)

The year 2021 was marked by contrasting weather conditions: a cold and wet spring slowed down the vegetative cycle, while a milder summer allowed the grapes to ripen slowly, preserving a noble and crystalline acidity. Harvested from September 13 to 30, the fruit revealed a fresh and precise profile. The energetic and straightforward 2021 base is balanced here by the richness of the Réserve Perpétuelle (2012–2020), ensuring consistency, breadth, and complexity from one edition to the next.

Tasting notes

• Color

  Collection 246 has a bright champagne yellow color with golden highlights. The effervescence is extremely fine, forming a regular and persistent cordon.

• Nose

  The nose opens with ripe yellow fruits— mirabelle plum, peach, nectarine—accented by notes of candied lemon zest. With aeration, toasted and vanilla notes from the oak-aged wines appear, along with a subtle hint of iodine, the signature of the Roederer style.

• Palate

  The palate seduces with its straightforward and caressing attack. The bubbles, which are extremely delicate, envelop a vibrant fruity core and a silky texture. The long, salty finish reveals a chalky purity and a slightly smoky character, a legacy of the Réserve Perpétuelle.

Pairing suggestions

Appetizer bites

• Fine oysters with lemon caviar
• Sea bass tartare with citrus fruits
• Mini blinis with smoked salmon

Maindishes

• Steamed cod with lemon butter
• Roast poultry with fine herbs
• Risotto with porcini mushrooms and spelt

Desserts

• Lemon meringue pie
• Honey-roasted pears
• Hazelnut financier

Serving and storage tips

Serving

Serve Collection 246 between 9 and 11°C in a slender tulip glass. Gently aerating it for a few minutes will reveal the characteristic toasted and salty notes of the House.

Storage

Store the bottle horizontally at a stable temperature of 10 to 12°C, away from light and vibrations. The case helps to protect the wine. This cuvée can be kept for 5 to 8 years, gaining in amplitude and complexity over time.