December is a time to sparkle—whether in attire or wine. I advocate drinking sparkling wine much more often, but the holidays make it even more festive. I was recently sent some samples of sparkling and still wines owned by the Roederer family, the classic champagne house.
Louis Roederer, founded in 1776, is a well-known, innovative, and prestigious champagne house. Originally established as Dubois Père & Fils, Louis Roederer inherited and renamed the company in 1833. When he inherited it, it was common for producers to purchase most of their grape supply from growers. He shifted the thinking in this area and acquired 15 hectares of Grand Cru vineyards. This unconventional move led to the approach to acquiring more vineyards and changing the mindset of the industry.
This family-owned company has remained independent for seven generations, currently led by Frédéric Rouzaud. Today, the house owns 240 hectares of vineyards across Champagne’s key growing regions, with 75 hectares cultivated using biodynamic principles
The company has expanded to include several brands for its Roederer Collection from different wine regions across its umbrella. Of course, there is the Louis Roederer Champagne brand that includes Cristal. This is also the RoedererEstate brand in Andersen Valley as well as Scharffenberger Cellars, Domaine Anderson, Merry Edwards Winery and Diamond Creek Vineyards. There are also brands in France and Portugal.
Today I’m focusing on the Anderson Valley brands, which includes the first single-vineyard sparkling selection from Roederer Estate: Clark Road Vineyard. Winemaker Arnaud Weyrich refers to it as a “grower” wine, one made from a chosen site on the estate. I got to taste the following wines:
- 2020 Roederer Clark Road Sparkling — the single-vineyard sparkling wine has notes of ripe cherry, and croissant. It really showcases how a wine from the cool climate of the Anderson Valley should taste.
- NV Roederer Estate Brut – I tasted notes of pear, spice, citrus, apple, freshly baked bread and hazelnuts. I really enjoyed this wine.
- NV Roederer Estate Brut Rosé – this had notes of raspberry, strawberry, spice and citrus. The Pinot Noir in this wine creates a nice balance with the fruitiness of the chardonnay.
- 2021 Domaine Anderson Dach Vineyards Pinot Noir – notes of cherry, earth and rose. This is another example of how the terroir plays a starring role in giving the wine distinct characteristics.
- NV Scharffenberger Cellars Brut – this is a special selection cuvée from the producer. I tasted notes of mocha, citrus, apple, citrus and bread.
- NV Scharffenberger Cellars Brut Rosé – This one was bursting with fruit. I tasted notes of strawberry, raspberry, citrus and freshly baked crust.
Remember to let your glass sparkle this December as you deck the halls and don your festive attire. While the holidays can provide the perfect excuse to pop open a bottle of bubbly.
