- One of the best Cristals of all time
- The first Cristal from biodynamic cultivation
Roederer Cristal 2012 - Prestige champagne in a class of its own
The Roederer Cristal 2012 is a cuvée made from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. It presents itself in a radiant gold colour with a lively but fine perlage.
The bouquet reveals complex aromas of candied lemon, white flowers, roasted hazelnuts and fine vanilla. After aeration, notes of fresh baked goods and subtle smoky nuances are added. On the palate, it is powerful and concentrated with a silky texture that is typical of the ripe Pinot Noirs of this vintage. The mineral freshness and precise flavours of the Chardonnay give the Cristal 2012 an impressive tension and a long, elegant finish.
2012 is a year with small yields, as the flowering was decimated by spring frosts. The summer is changeable and not too warm, so the acidity levels are high. Sunny but not too hot weather in August and September ensured perfectly ripe grapes. As in 2008, the balance between vigour, structure and freshness is successful. However, 2008 is somewhat more mineral, precise and subtle, while 2012 has more mellowness and fullness.
Of the 242 hectares of vineyards owned by the estate, 78 hectares of the best areas have already been converted to biodynamic cultivation in time for the 2012 harvest. Cristal 2012 is the first Cristal vintage to be produced from biodynamic cultivation. Only the best lots from these 78 hectares are used for Cristal. The mineral Pinot Noirs from Verzy, Verzenay and Beaumont-sur-Vesle in particular characterise Cristal. However, very full-bodied, powerful Pinot Noirs from Ay also go into the Cristal cuvée. The Chardonnays come from Avize and le Mesnil and maximise the mineral, chalky structure. Cramant also supplies Chardonnay grapes.
The Cristal 2012 has been vinified without malolactic fermentation. This preserves the acidity and the flavours are fresher instead of buttery, lush notes. Two thirds of the base wines were fermented in steel tanks and one third in oak barrels. Cristal 2012 was disgorged in 2019 with 7.5 g dosage.
Drinking window: 2025-2037.
