Louis Roederer's Brut Premier is a blend of 66% Pinot Noir and 34% Chardonnay from the grand cuvees of at least four different vintages. 75% of the grapes come from Roederer's own 450 acres of vineyards. Their vineyard sites are spread over three classic Champagne districts. The cellars are located in Reims. All of the wines are initially fermented in small stainless steel vats, so the flavors and individuality of each cru can develop to its potential. The reserve wines are matured slowly in huge oak casks for at least five years before they are blended into the cuvees. Blending these specially selected older wines into the final cuvee is what gives Louis Roederer Champagnes its roundness, depth, and complexity with a distinguishable honeyed vanilla taste.

This process creates the unique style that has earned Roederer its well-deserved reputation. Once the final blend has been bottled, it remains in the bottle to mature for at least four years, which is well beyond the industry standard. This extra aging process creates a Champagne which is intended to impart immediate pleasure to the consumer, yet, will withstand a few more years in the cellar to develop additional complexity.

The success and self-sufficiency of Louis Roederer Champagnes is due to the shrewdness of Camille Olry-Roederer, who owned the company for 42 years and purchased the vineyards in the 1930's. She died in 1975, leaving the Champagne house to her daughter, Madame Claude Rouzard. Her grandson, Jean-Claude, who is an extremely talented oenologist, now runs Louis Roederer Champagne.

Louis Roederer Brut Premier consistently wins awards and accolades from the wine industry for its full, rich, flavors, which are presented with such elegant finesse. The dominance of the black Pinot Noir grapes gives it its red fruit depth and flavor. The Chardonnay grapes, impart varietal aromas of apple and pear with vanilla, nuts, dried herbs, and honey adding to its complexity from extended oak aging. It was an excellent choice for our French dinner and would be a great selection for your cellar as well.

May 31, 2000