Louis Roederer : Brut Nature Limited Edition by Philippe Starck 2018

Characteristics and tasting advice for Louis Roederer Brut Nature Limited Edition by Philippe Starck 2018

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a brilliant pale-yellow hue with radiant highlights, enhanced by a perfectly even and energetic stream of bubbles.

Nose
The bouquet charms with delicacy and refinement, unveiling subtle aromas of yellow fruits such as mirabelle plum and toasted notes of fresh almonds. The whole expresses a ripe, velvety, almost sun-drenched character. With aeration, nuances of red fruits like blackcurrant and gentle floral touches of lilac enrich the aromatic palette, reflecting the influence of Pinot Noirs and Meuniers.

Palate
The attack reveals vibrant energy accompanied by a velvety, supple, and juicy texture. Ripe fruit unfolds with remarkable saline energy, delivering a fresh, vibrant, and sapid expression. The finish stands out with powdery, slightly drying and bitter notes, leaving an oily, chalky impression evocative of “crushed seashells.”

Serving and cellaring
Brut Nature Limited Edition by Philippe Starck 2018 is ideally enjoyed at 46–50°F (8–10°C) to fully reveal its aromatic complexity.

The minerality and texture of an avant-garde Champagne by Louis Roederer

The estate

Founded in 1776 in Reims, the Champagne Louis Roederer House has remained family-owned and independent. After more than 200 years, Maison Louis Roederer is still in the hands of the same family. Today led by Frédéric Rouzaud, representing the seventh generation, Maison Louis Roederer embodies the excellence of Champagne wines around the world thanks to cuvées crafted like works of art.

The vineyard

With nearly 241 hectares of vines, Maison Louis Roederer draws its strength from its extraordinary vineyard, composed exclusively of Grands and Premiers Crus in the Vallée de la Marne, the Montagne de Reims, and the Côte des Blancs. A true mosaic of terroirs, the Maison Louis Roederer vineyard is divided into 410 plots that reflect the full diversity of soils in Champagne.

The cuvée
This cuvée comes primarily from the “La Rivière” lieu-dit near Cumières, an exceptional Champagne terroir. The vines thrive on Cumières’ characteristic dark soils, benefiting from outstanding limestone. The vineyard is farmed according to biodynamic principles, underscoring the house’s environmental commitment in this experimental approach.

The vintage
The year 2018 proved exceptionally warm, dry, and generous. After an unusually wet winter and a mild yet stormy spring, the summer brought hot, dry, and sunny conditions, even surpassing the records set in 2003. These climatic conditions allowed for an abundant harvest on September 2, 2018, with grapes in near-perfect health, yielding elegant and fruity wines.

Winemaking and aging
The Brut Nature Limited Edition by Philippe Starck 2018 undergoes a distinctive vinification with 31% of the wine aged in oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation is deliberately avoided to preserve aromatic purity. The wine is aged on lees for a minimum of six years before disgorgement, with no dosage, in keeping with the Brut Nature philosophy of this experimental cuvée.

Grape varieties
The blend of this 2018 vintage Champagne is composed of 55% Pinot Noir, 25% Meunier, and 20% Chardonnay, complemented by a touch of Pinot Blanc, reflecting the pursuit of originality and experimentation in this unique collaboration.