Cristal is the flagship cuve from Louis Roederer. Created in 1876, it is composed of Grands Crus from the Montagne de Reims, the Valle de la Marne & the Cte des Blancs. A golden hue with soft, glowing highlights. Fine, steady, gentle bubbles. Powerful & complex on the palate, revealing a mixture of yellow fruit (mirabelle plum), juicy, ripe fruits (nectarine), citrus peel (candied orange) & finely-roasted nuts (hazelnut). The nose is simultaneously powdery & sweet, with elegant, chalky notes. Gentle, tactile & full-bodied on the palate. The bubbles create a gentle, vibrating sensation, then the wine becomes soft, dense & juicy. But it is the chalky freshness that quickly sets the tone: the sweetness becomes energetic & intense, giving the wine an elegant yet powerful texture. Fine, textured tannins reveal a poised & vinous dimension to the wine. The finish is savoury & saline.