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 is a change of gear, a new chapter in the Louis Roederer uncompromising pursuit of taste. Always unique, yet decidedly familiar!

Collection is based on a selection of plots located in the heart of the Champagne region that are suited to its identity and where the emphasis is on sustainable growing practices. True to its roots and terroirs, Roederer's historical origins are reflected in the blend:

• 1/3 "La Rivière" | Vallée de la Marne

• 1/3 "La Montagne" | Montagne de Reims

• 1/3 "La Côte" | Côte des Blancs

Collection 245 represents the Champagne House's 245th blend since its foundation. It is based on the finest wines from the 2020 harvest (55%) and complemented by 35% of the Perpetual Reserve (2012-2019) and 10% of oak-aged reserve wines sourced from young Cristal vines (2012-2019). 

22% of the wines undergo malolactic fermentation.

Lovely golden yellow hue. Steady lively bubbles. Bouquet of yellow fruits (nectarine) and ripe, concentrated citrus (lemon) complemented by sweet notes of petals, pollen, sugared almonds and wheat. We find an impressively ripe, complex and intense fruit which elevates the pure and intense bouquet interwoven with smoky overtones. The palate is velvety, unctuous, rich and juicy. The bubbles have an almost saline character to them and coat the palate with a broad and concentrated texture. The wine reveals an exceptional balance between structure and a crisp, powdery, saline chalky freshness. Smoky and slightly oaky notes linger on a deliciously well-honed finish.

Collection 245 therefore offers us a complex symphony in a wine of remarkably generous and flavorful intensity.

The year 2020 followed a similar trajectory to that of 2019 with a mild and rainy winter followed by a dry summer with several heatwaves which, although less extreme than in 2019, still had an impact on the vine. Fortunately, the weather was rather dull and a bit wet in June which gave us a welcome humid interlude between two dry spells. Despite our impressions of relentless heat and sunshine, the temperatures and sunshine levels over the 2020 harvest period were actually relatively normal. These continental conditions, but with “normal” annual averages, enabled the production of mature and wellbalanced wines! 

The harvest took place between August 22nd and September 11th, 2020.