Louis Roederer Collection 245 Champagne

In 2021, Louis Roederer decided to replace one of the house's most famous champagnes, "Brut Premier", with the new "Collection". The overriding motivation was the desire to take the quality and character one step further, thus cementing the house's status as a supplier of one of the absolute best non-vintage champagnes on the market. "Collection 245" refers to the fact that it is primarily based on the 2020 vintage, which is the 245th vintage at Louis Roederer.

As mentioned, “Collection 245” is primarily based on the 2020 vintage (55%, of which 22% has undergone malolactic fermentation). “Reserve wines aged in oak” make up 10% (6 different barrel-aged vintages – 2010, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019), and “Perpetual Reserve” makes up 35%. “Perpetual Reserve” is a tank-aged wine that was established in 2012, and where wine from the current vintage is added every year (2020 in the case of “245”) corresponding to the same year’s consumed quantity. This unique complexity ensures “Collection” a high degree of continuity in style and quality while at the same time adding even more body and character. “Collection” is fermented and aged in bottle for min. 3 years, and the “dosage” – the sugar liqueur that is finally added – is 7g/l.

“Collection 245” is composed of 41% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir and 24% Pinot Meunier from many different plots, which are located 1/3 in each of Champagne’s best districts – Vallée de la Marne, Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs. Chardonnay adds a delicate aroma of ripe nectarines and apricots, but also creamy, exotic tones. Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier add structure, dryness and a lovely crispness. Discreet nuances of citrus, vanilla, salted almonds and toasted bread appear in the aftertaste, which ends with a fresh and slightly salty mineral touch. The wine is perfect as an aperitif due to its freshness and finesse, but is also an excellent food companion.