Inspired by the know-how of the House around a year of harvest, this pure Chardonnay comes from a few plots of mid-slope concentrated on the vineyard of "La Côte", in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. This champagne draws from these limestone soils a singular chalky force, of an insolent and infinite freshness. Over time, it reveals the power and identity of these great terroirs.

THE VINTAGE

2017 was a year of living dangerously! An exceptionally warm and dry winter and spring, but the latter brought severe frosts from 17 to 29 April, setting the sorry record for 12 nights of frost. These were followed by a dull, wet and not particularly hot summer, which ended in an almost tropical (hot and humid) spell at the end of August. This sudden change led to a significant increase in grey rot on the ripening Pinot noir and Meunier grapes. The harvest was fast-paced and completed very quickly, demanding very precise and methodical selection work of an unprecedented level even for Roederer.

TASTING NOTES

On the eye: Intense yellow hue with bright, luminous tints. An even flow of creamy, ultra-fine bubbles.

On the nose: Bouquet of harvest (almonds), spring flowers (honeysuckle) and citrus (lemon). The aromas are harmonious and deep, with delicate notes of roasted almonds and roasting. Upon aeration, powdery and chalky nuances emerge, creating a refined reductive nose typical of exceptional Chardonnays.

On the palate: The mouthfeel is creamy and chalky, almost powdery and drying, imparting a trim, finely honed quality to the palate. Juicy and rounded, the wine is drawn out into a fresh, powdery finish.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Varietals: 100% Chardonnay

Categories: Blanc de Blancs

Appellation: "La Côte" vineyard in Avize

Aging: 5 years on the lees