Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay
75cl * 12.5% ABV * Champagne, France
The company we now know as Louis Roederer was founded in 1776 as Dubois Pere & Fils, changing its name in 1833 when the young Louis inherited the estate from his uncle. The house is perhaps best-known for Cristal (bottled in clear crystal and a flat punt), their prestige cuvée that became famous due to its associations with the Russian Imperial Court. Their vineyard covers 245 hectares located in the Grands and Premiers Crus of Champagne.
Roederer have replaced their Brut NV with this multi-vintage cuvée that changes each year, much like Krug does. The grapes are grown using sustainable methods that preserve the vine and undergo a meticulous selection to retain only those of excellent quality. Collection 246 is based on the 2021 vintage, blended with their perpetual reserve created in 2012, plus reserve wine from select vintages kept in oak. Perfect as an accompaniment to seafood in a rich sauce, delicate shellfish and seafood dishes, or as an aperitif.
'This has pretty and elegant aromas of pears, apple blossoms, grapefruit and chalk. It's silky, fresh and beautifully balanced on the palate, with very soft bubbles.' Claire Nesbitt for JamesSuckling.com (2025).