Cristal 2012

Produced only in the best years, Cristal is composed of Grand Crus selected grapes from the Montagne de Reims, the Marne Valley and the Côte des Blancs. 60 % is of Chardonnay and 40 % from Pinot Noir is made in the classic Traditional Method. 20 % is vinified in oak casks and 20 % goes through Malolactic Fermentation. The wine is generally aged for 6 years, sometimes longer, in cellars and left for a minimum of 8 months after disgorging.

Harvested from the famous Grand Crus selected sites of the Montagne de Reims, the Marne Valley and the Côte des Blancs. The approach to vineyard management is bio-dynamic at every stage.

98 Points Vinous - The 2012 Cristal is another absolutely stellar wine this flight of recent releases. Rich, vinous and beautifully textured, the 2012 has been nothing short of magnificent on the three occasions I have tasted it so far. In the glass, the 2012 is radiant and luscious, yet it possesses remarkable transparency and striking aromatic depth. Light tropical notes develop in the glass, giving the 2012 a real feeling of exotic beauty. The 2012 is the first vintage of Cristal done with 100% organically-farmed fruit, an approach introduced gradually starting with the 2007 that has profoundly changes Cristal, especially in its aromatic breadth. Two thousand twelve is the vintage where endless trials and experiments in farming and winemaking are fully realized. The 2012 is just stunning. It’s as simple as that. 97+ Points Wine Advocate - Aromas of clear honey, crisp green orchard fruit, white peach, pastry cream and dried white flowers introduce the 2012 Cristal, a full-bodied, concentrated and powerful wine that's built for the cellar. Broader, more textural and more muscular than the 2008 Cristal, with seemingly even greater reserves of structuring dry extract, the 2012 is incisive and searingly chalky. This is the first Cristal produced exclusively from organically farmed fruit, and it marks the opening of a new chapter for Louis Roderer. The blend is 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, vinified without malolactic fermentation and disgorged with 7.5 grams per liter dosage. Chef de Caves Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon has once again excelled himself.

Not just a celebration wine. This remarkable Champagne is perfect with white fish and white meats.