Louis Roederer - Collection 244

The origins of the Collection 244 champagne are divided as follows: one third comes from the "la Rivière" vineyard, one third from the "la Montagne" vineyard and one third from the "la Côte" vineyard. Grapes from the estate vineyards are integrated with those from selected "Cœur de Terroir" parcels in collaboration with partner winemakers.

The grape varieties used are distributed as follows: 41% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir and 26% Meunier. The 244th blend of the Maison includes a percentage of 36% perpetual reserve wines from the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 vintages. In addition, 10% reserve wines aged in wood from the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 vintages.

For the 2019 harvest, 54% of the grapes are used, of which 5% were vinified in wood. Malolactic fermentation was carried out on 35% of the wine. Finally, the dosage is 7g/l.

The Maison Louis Roederer's "Collection" project was born in response to contemporary issues related to environmental sustainability and climate change. The goal is to create ever-better champagnes, using the vintages available to the Maison. One of the peculiarities of Louis Roederer is the large availability of reserve wines aged in wood. Thanks to these refinements, the wines evolve slowly over time, increasing oxygenation, roundness and complexity, offering a unique sip for each Collection. The number on the label refers to the blends used since the foundation of the Maison.

On 244:

Golden yellow in color, Collection 244 is a Champagne that stands out. Its effervescence is dense and regular, with extremely fine bubbles. The bouquet is broad and deep, with hints of ripe fruit such as vineyard peach and William pear, and citrus notes of lemon and blood orange. The iodine and smoky nuances, resulting from autolysis and aging in wood, add aromatic freshness. There are also notes of chalk and a slight reduction, which reveal a concentrated and powerful wine.

The attack is pleasant, with a powerful and rich texture. The sensation in the mouth is juicy and concentrated, like biting into a ripe fruit. The material is delicate and caressing, enveloping the palate, but is immediately lightened by the delicate effervescence. The length of the taste is given by a pleasant chalky freshness. The wine is simultaneously of absolute delicacy, with a light toasted touch, and of absolute freshness, thanks to a savory finish. The smoky notes take over, supporting a richly flavored finish.

Collection 244 marks the return of the Meunier of the Marne and the Montagne in texture, bringing great delicacy to the structured and saline Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays!