In 1974, almost 200 years after the establishment of the Champagne house of Louis Roederer and 100 years after the creation of Cristal, Jean-Claude Rouzaud decided to create the Cristal Rosé cuvée. To achieve this, he selected old-vine pinot noir grapes (using massale selection, which involves propagation from the vineyard’s most successful plants) from the finest grand cru vineyards at Aÿ.

The limestone bedrock and unique calcareous clay soil enable the vines (in the best years) to attain exceptional fruit maturity, complemented by a pure and crystalline acidity that is a perfect evocation of the Cristal style. Today, the vineyards are cultivated according to biodynamic principles. 

Cristal Rosé Late Release reveals another nuance of Cristal Rosé, as though time had gently deepened the radiance of this infusion rosé. Always born of exceptional vintages and beautifully enhanced by extended ageing sur lattes in our cellars, this champagne is exquisitely shaped over time: its body grows juicier, its expression deeper, and its salinity shines through with renewed delicacy. To the chalky persistence so prized in Cristal Rosé is added a subtle hint of umami, like an extra breath imparted by time. What emerges is a vibrant and highly refined champagne, offering a different interpretation of the light emanating from the chalk - broader, more enveloping, and already intimate

Over the years, Louis Roederer has developed a unique method for the production of its rosé champagnes. This process, referred to by Roederer as the ‘infusion’ technique, allows the winemaking team to extract the juicy, ripe character of the pinot noirs whilst preserving their exceptional freshness. A small amount of chardonnay juice is added to the pinot noir maceration which then ferment together and integrate harmoniously.

Cristal Rosé Late Release 2008 was aged on its lees for 13 years. The dosage is 8 g/l.

Disgorgement: March 16, 2022

A different expression of the original Cristal Rosé, the Cristal Rosé Late Release 2008 combines greater textural depth with a hint of salinity that enhances its chalky, precise and fragrant persistence, giving rise to a delicious umami character. This fine wine boasts a delicate, bright, powdery pink hue and intense aromas: the nose opens with a concentration of fresh citrus and tangy red fruits (especially raspberry) combined with floral nuances. It unleashes a powerful wave of energy and freshness, with a lively acidity that remains full of promise. The delicate notes of ageing then come to the fore: cocoa and toasted hazelnuts, typical of Cristal Rosé. The bubbles are magical - fine, tactile and saline. Longer ageing sur lattes has given the wine a juicier character and body, balancing the immense chalky and saline freshness of the vintage. Delicate smoky notes and a smooth texture give this champagne true gastronomic appeal, magnified by a grand finale that is intense, mineral and zesty

Shaped by a particularly dry yet cool summer, the 2008 vintage clearly falls into the category of dense and powerful ‘continental’ vintages, characterised by great concentration. However, the unusually cool summer temperatures left their mark on this vintage, giving it an incredibly intense and saline freshness.Harvest from September 15 to October 1, 2008.