Louis Roederer is writing a new chapter with the Collection 242 vintage. A champagne that takes into consideration climate change and that respects both the environment and traditional methods.
When Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon talks about his vision of what the champagne of tomorrow should be, we listen closely. Louis Roederer’s Cellar Master speaks openly about climate change – and he’s not alone – but in a constructive manner, so that it appeals. That’s how he is presenting Collection, the successor to the multi-vintage Brut Premier. “The facts were there for all to see. Climate change has affected the Champagne region over the last 30 years. We decided to reinvent our blends, reshape our know-how and rethink our methods in order to fall into step with Nature's new tempo”.
A complex initiative by Louis Roederer worthy of praise, and one which involves close monitoring of the selected plots from an agronomic and quality point of view alongside its partner growers in order to guarantee the traceability of the grapes and compliance with the growing practices in place. Instead of a radical organic approach, the accent is placed on sustainable viticulture that respects the living environment and the ecosystem.
One of the original aspects was the creation of a “Perpetual Reserve” in 2012 with that year’s vintage and subsequently enriched each year with the new harvest, blending equal parts Pinot noir and Chardonnay. This reserve will create a template of 20 to 30 vintages over time, ensuring consistency in taste for Louis Roederer.
The first yield from this new way of approaching champagne is Collection 242, an assembly of Chardonnay (42%), Pinot noir (36%) and Meunier (22%), around one third of which is crafted from the Perpetual Reserve. According to Louis Roederer, the maturity of the Chardonnay grapes (largely from the 2017 vintage) give it an aroma of ripe, sweet fruit complemented by subtle oaky notes. The palate is rich and ripe, while the Pinot noir and Meunier grapes complete the wine’s broad, luscious, smooth and juicy character. The finish is energetic and fresh. What more could you ask? Well actually, why is it called 242? SoBARNES gives you the answer: because it represents Louis Roederer’s 242nd blend since its creation in 1776!
Available from wine merchants at €48.
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Infos : Louis-roederer.com
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