Driven by a new ambition and freedom, Champagne Louis Roederer is writing the next chapter of its story with the creation of Collection. As the House practices a sustainable viticulture that respects the living environment in order to fully express the qualities of the terroir, it also anticipates future seasons while adapting to the present. As such, an uninhibited and bold approach was the only way Champagne Louis Roederer could take its perpetual quest for excellence to the next level—and create a worthy successor to Brut Premier.

Each Collection blend has its own identity which will gradually and fully reveal itself over time. The Collection number will allow champagne lovers, like collectors, to choose their champagne according to their preferred degree of youth or maturity.

THE VINTAGE

2017, the base vintage for Collection 242, was a year of living dangerously! An exceptionally warm and dry winter and spring, but the latter brought severe frosts from 17 to 29 April, setting the sorry record for 12 nights of frost. These were followed by a dull, wet and not particularly hot summer, which ended in an almost tropical (hot and humid) spell at the end of August. This sudden change led to a significant increase in grey rot on the ripening Pinot noir and Meunier grapes. The harvest was fast-paced and completed very quickly demanding precise and methodical selection work, of an unprecedented level even for Roederer. The harvest took place between August 31st and September 9th 2017.

TASTING NOTES

On the nose: The Collection 242 blend is dominated by Chardonnay which was of exceptional quality in the 2017 vintage. The perfectly ripe Chardonnay grapes lend the wine its aromas of ripe, sweet fruit complemented by subtle oaky notes.

On the palate: Rich and ripe with a luxurious texture that coats the palate, the signature of an outstanding Chardonnay. The Pinot noir and Meunier grapes from the Vallée de la Marne complete the wine’s broad, luscious, smooth and juicy character. The finish is energetic and fresh.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Varietals: 42% Chardonnay, 36% Pinot Noir, 22% Pinot Meunier

Appellation: 1/3 "La Rivière" vineyards, 1/3 "La Montagne" vineyards, 1/3 "La Côte" vineyards

242nd BLEND

Perpetual Reserve: 34% (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)

Reserved wine aged in oak: 10% (2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)

2017 vintage: 56%