Louis Roederer

Cristal 2016 | Bottle 75cl - Presentation pack

Description

The 2016 Cristal vintage from Louis Roederer Champagne, available in bottles and gift boxes, is a masterpiece of finesse and balance. This vintage perfectly blends the sunny power of Pinot Noir grapes with the chalky salinity of Chardonnay grapes, resulting in a style that is pure, vibrant, and supremely elegant. A legendary wine for exceptional moments.

The production of Louis Roederer Cristal 2016

Cristal 2016 is the purest expression of the Louis Roederer style: a signature wine made from a selection of the greatest terroirs in Champagne, vinified using a rigorous plot-by-plot approach. Absolute perfection is expressed in every detail of its creation.

The cuvée is made from:

• 58% Pinot Noir: brings richness, ripe fruit and a silky texture.
• 42% Chardonnay: offers freshness, precision and saline tension.

The terroir

32 parcels have been selected from among the best crus in Champagne: Verzenay, Verzy, Beaumont-sur-Vesle, and Aÿ for the Pinot Noirs; Avize, Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Cramant for the Chardonnays. These predominantly chalky terroirs give rise to a vertical, taut, and vibrant Cristal. The balance between deep soils and sunny climates is the key to this vintage.

Vinification

31% of the wines were aged in wood without malolactic fermentation to preserve their integrity and purity. The dosage is 7 g/L, perfectly integrated to enhance the substance without masking it. The second fermentation and long aging on lees allow the wine to develop the powdery texture and aromatic complexity that are the hallmarks of great Cristal cuvées.

The 2016 vintage

2016 was a year of contrasts: a cool, wet spring followed by a hot, dry summer marked by a heatwave in late August. The harvest, from September 15 to October 1, took place under bright sunshine, resulting in perfectly ripe grapes. The result is a rare Cristal, with a masterful balance between aromatic intensity, mineral tension, and an enveloping texture. It is reminiscent of great years such as 2002, 2008, and 2012.

Tasting notes

• Color

  The color of the 2016 Cristal is bright golden yellow with sparkling clarity. The effervescence is fine, slow and perfectly integrated.

• Nose

  The nose reveals an intense and precise bouquet of white flowers (acacia), roasted citrus fruits, yellow peach and mirabelle plum. Iodine, chalky and slightly roasted notes appear after aeration, indicating aging on lees.

• Palate

  On the palate, the attack is immediate, soft and caressing. The texture is concentrated, juicy and perfectly structured. The ripe fruit of Pinot Noir and the chalky minerality of Chardonnay come to the fore. The effervescence is tactile, almost salty. The finish is infinitely long, salty and crystalline, leaving a sensation of absolute purity.

Serving suggestions

Appetizer bites

• Special Marennes-Oléron oysters
• Langoustine carpaccio with citrus oil
• Blinis with white tarama and candied lemon

Main dishes

• Poached turbot with white butter sauce
• Risotto with white asparagus and truffles
• Bresse chicken with morel mushrooms

Desserts

• Vanilla and lemon macaroons
• Citrus shortbread tart
• Almond milk panna cotta

Storing this champagne

To preserve the quality of Cristal 2016 in its box, we recommend storing the bottle horizontally, away from light (thanks to the protective box), in a cool (10-12°C), dry place free from vibrations. A constant temperature is essential to maintain the wine's balance.

Aging potential

Produced without malolactic fermentation and with great care taken in the selection of plots, Cristal 2016 can age beautifully until 2040 or even beyond. It will gradually develop tertiary aromas (honey, dried fruit), while retaining its tension and crystalline finesse.

For what occasions?

Cristal 2016 is an exceptional wine for special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries and professional celebrations. Its presentation box makes it a refined gift, while its complexity on the palate makes it ideal for gourmet dinners and formal occasions.

Anecdote about this cuvée

Originally created for Tsar Alexander II in 1876, Cristal was the first prestige cuvée in Champagne. The 2016 vintage pays tribute to this tradition of excellence, as well as to the art of blending. With its iconic transparent bottle, it combines history, design, and intensity. A sparkling work of art.

Find out more about the Cristal 2016 vintage from Louis Roederer Champagne

How much does the Cristal 2016 cuvée cost?

The price of Louis Roederer's Cristal 2016 in a bottle and gift box is 319,95 €. This price reflects the rarity of the grapes, the careful aging, and the iconic status of this prestigious vintage cuvée.

What are the reviews of Louis Roederer's Cristal 2016 champagne?

Connoisseurs describe Cristal as having unparalleled purity, remarkable length and exceptional aromatic precision. Many already consider it one of the greatest recent vintages. Reviews of the Cristal 2016 Louis Roederer

Is this champagne a good investment for aging?

Yes, absolutely. Cristal is renowned for its aging potential. The 2016 vintage will evolve over several decades, gaining complexity and depth.

What is the ideal serving temperature?

Between 40 and 50°F. This allows the aromas to be fully released while maintaining the freshness and finesse of the effervescence.

Can it be paired with an entire meal?

Yes, Cristal 2016 is the ideal accompaniment to fine dishes, from aperitifs to cheese, particularly dishes based on noble fish, poultry, or shellfish.

What makes Cristal 2016 unique?

It is the perfect balance between the influence of the sun (Pinot Noir grapes grown in hot conditions) and the chalky soil (saline Chardonnay grapes), a 50% soil/50% sun duality that characterizes this vintage.