Nearly 250 Years of Independence

Louis Roederer was founded in Reims in 1776, and it remains one of the few great Champagne houses still owned and run by its founding family. It is best known for Cristal, the legendary prestige cuvée first made for the Russian tsar, but its entire range is built on the same principles of vineyard quality and patience. Since 1999, cellar master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon has guided the house, becoming one of the most respected winemakers in Champagne. For anyone looking to buy Champagne online from a true icon, Roederer is a benchmark.

A House That Farms Its Own Vines

Most large Champagne houses buy the majority of their grapes. Roederer is unusual in relying heavily on its own estate vineyards, spread across the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Blancs. For Collection 245, the fruit comes in roughly equal thirds from the house's "la Montagne," "la Rivière" and "la Côte" estates. Roederer holds environmental certification and has invested deeply in biodynamic and organic farming, a remarkable commitment for a house of its size.

Fighting for Freshness

As the climate warms, Champagne grapes ripen earlier and richer. Lécaillon created Collection, the successor to the house's Brut Premier, to keep freshness at the center of the style. Its secret weapon is the Perpetual Reserve, started in 2012: a solera-like blend of past vintages kept in stainless-steel tanks and refreshed each year. Together with a smaller portion of oak-aged reserve wines, it gives each edition depth, continuity and vibrancy.

Collection 245

Collection 245 is built on the 2020 harvest, combined with a large share of the Perpetual Reserve and a smaller share of oak-aged reserves. The blend leans slightly toward Chardonnay, with Pinot Noir and Meunier, and only part of it goes through malolactic fermentation to preserve freshness. Expect citrus, yellow apple, pear and white flowers, with toasty, nutty notes, a fine creamy mousse and a long, mineral finish. Critics have praised it as a finely woven, mineral-laced beauty.

Why Louis Roederer Matters Today

Collection shows how a historic house can evolve thoughtfully, honoring tradition while responding to a changing climate. For customers of Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, Collection 245 is a world-class Champagne for celebrations, gifts or simply a great bottle with dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is Louis Roederer known for?

It is one of Champagne's great family-owned houses, famous for Cristal and for its estate-grown, high-quality Champagnes.

2. What does "Collection 245" mean?

The number marks the 245th blend in the house's history, counting harvests since its founding in 1776.

3. What replaced Brut Premier?

The Collection series replaced Brut Premier as Roederer's non-vintage (multi-vintage) Brut.

4. What is the Perpetual Reserve?

A solera-like blend of reserve wines started in 2012, refreshed each year with wine from the latest harvest. It adds freshness and continuity.

5. What is the base vintage of Collection 245?

The 2020 harvest forms the majority of the blend.

6. What grapes are in it?

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Meunier, with Chardonnay slightly in the lead.

7. Who is the winemaker?

Cellar master Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon, who has led Roederer's winemaking since 1999.

8. Is Louis Roederer still family-owned?

Yes. It remains independent and family-run.

9. What does Collection 245 taste like?

Citrus, apple, pear and white flowers with toasty, nutty notes and a creamy, mineral finish.

10. What food pairs with Collection 245?

• Seafood: Oysters, sushi, lobster
  
• Starters: Gougères, fried calamari, caviar
  
• Poultry: Roast chicken, turkey
  
• Cheese: Brie, Comté, Parmigiano
  

11. Is it dry?

Yes. It is a Brut Champagne with a balanced, modest dosage.

12. Does Roederer farm organically?

Roederer has made a major commitment to biodynamic and organic practices across much of its estate.

13. How should I serve it?

Chill to about 45 to 50°F and serve in a tulip or white wine glass.

14. Where can I buy Louis Roederer online?

You can buy it at Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, home to a curated selection of fine Champagne, with shipping to California and select states.