Louis Roederer Champagne - Collection 247
Founded in 1776 in Reims, the Louis Roederer House belongs to the circle of great historic Champagne houses and remains one of the few independent family-owned estates of this scale. Led by Frédéric Rouzaud, representing the seventh generation of the family, it cultivates a philosophy based on in-depth knowledge of its terroirs, precision in blending, and particularly demanding viticulture. Under the impetus of its cellar master Jean-Baptiste Lecaillon, the House has profoundly renewed its approach to multi-vintage champagnes with the creation of the Collection range, intended to replace the historic Brut Premier. Each edition bears a number corresponding to the number of blends made since the founding of the House, thus affirming its uniqueness and its link to Roederer's history. Collection 247, built around the 2022 harvest, draws from three major Champagne origins: the Vallée de la Marne, the Montagne de Reims, and the Côte des Blancs, each representing about one third of the geographical blend. Grapes from the House's vineyards are complemented by those of historic partners selected for the quality of their terroirs. This approach allows combining the richness and personality of each harvest with the depth of reserve wines, giving birth to a champagne of remarkable precision, as charming in its youth as capable of beautiful evolution in the cellar.
Louis Roederer Collection 247 Champagne is based on a blend of 44% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, and 26% Meunier, a particularly interesting proportion of the latter grape which contributes to the generosity and fruity expression of the cuvée. The 2022 harvest, which represents 68% of the blend, was distinguished by a continental climate, particularly sunny and relatively dry, strongly contrasting with the cool and wet conditions of the previous year. Harvested between August 29 and September 13, the grapes reached a beautiful maturity while retaining a natural freshness essential to the champagne's balance. To this base are added 27% Perpetual Reserve, gradually constituted since 2012 and enriched each year with new wines, as well as 5% reserve wines aged in wood, from several vintages between 2013 and 2021. This construction brings additional depth to the blend while preserving the tension and chalky signature characteristic of the Roederer style. In total, 23% of the wines were vinified or aged in wood, while malolactic fermentation was carried out on 23% of the blend, allowing to maintain a lively acidity while developing a harmonious texture. After the secondary fermentation and nearly four years of maturation in the House's cellars, Collection 247 receives a dosage of 7 grams per liter, which highlights the natural richness of the fruit without compromising its precision. This edition particularly illustrates the philosophy of the Collection range: revealing the character of each year while preserving the continuity and elegance of the Louis Roederer style.
Louis Roederer Collection 247 Champagne presents a bright golden robe, animated by a delicate, regular, and particularly fine effervescence. The bouquet opens with a generous expression of ripe yellow fruits, dominated by mirabelle plum and Williams pear, accompanied by nuances of white flowers, pollen, and a subtle vanilla touch. On aeration, aromas of roasted apple, sweet spices, and delicate chocolate and toasted notes gradually enrich the whole, reflecting the complexity brought by reserve wines and aging on lees. On the palate, the attack is ample and flavorful, with a fleshy texture perfectly reflecting the generosity of the 2022 vintage. The creamy texture of the effervescence envelops the palate, while a precise freshness brings energy and preserves the balance of this particularly gourmand expression. The flavors of ripe fruits continue on a chalky framework, accompanied by fine bitters that bring relief and remarkable persistence. The finish, long and delicately saline, reveals a champagne both accessible, complex, and deeply gastronomic, capable of far exceeding the mere aperitif role. Collection 247 will ideally accompany seared scallops, roasted turbot, langoustines, farm-raised poultry with cream, mushroom risotto, or aged Comté cheese.
Grape varieties: 44% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Noir, 26% Meunier
