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Wine Description
The Story
In order for grapes to be used in the creation of a great rosé champagne, they have to attain perfect maturity, which is sometimes difficult to achieve in the changeable Champagne climate. This is why Louis Roederer decided to invest in the vineyards at Cumières, where the shallow calcareous clay soil, which is on south-facing slopes bathed in the light reflected from the banks of the river Marne, enables the grapes to attain optimum phenolic maturity.
A blend of around 65% Pinot noir and 35% Chardonnay, 20% of which is wine matured in oak tuns, the Rosé Vintage cuvée is generally matured on lees for 4 years and left for a minimum of 6 months after dégorgement (disgorging) to attain perfect maturity.
The wine has fruity aromas of wild red berries, followed by floral notes, and the sugary and spicy fragrance of zest; and the aromas of dried fruit and cocoa result from the wine’s vinifying in oak tuns. Rich and full-bodied, the Rosé Vintage exalts the maturity of the fruit. A sparkling wine with an initial impression of freshness, it opens smoothly with almost exotic notes, combined with the pure minerality of the Chardonnay grapes.
Vintage 2012
The next most exceptional vintage since 2008. A truly difficult growing season saw severe frosts in the winter. March brought warmth but early budbreak made the vines vulnerable to spring frosts. Overall, the early growing season was wet, and mildew became a serious issue. However, conditions improved dramatically in the later summer months. An August heatwave resulted in a rapid accumulation of sugar, but fortunately the nights remained cool, which helped to preserve acidity. Although yields were low (averaging at 9,210 kg/ha) due to frost, hail and disease early in the season, the 2012 harvest was exemplary in its maturity, acidity and grape health. A rare high acid, high sugar September harvest with impeccable concentration of flavour and refreshing vibrancy. Pinot Noir is the superstar of the vintage, though Pinot Meunier excelled too. A vintage that promises great longevity for the finest cuvées, it was widely declared by producers. However, Krug decided to invest in its reserve wines on this great year, and no Vintage was produced. The quality of 2012 is universally high, with the greatest releases so far including Louis Roederer Cristal and Cristal Rosé, Bollinger La Grande Année and La Grande Année Rosé, as well as Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé.