Guide Note

Cristal is a premium brand of champagne produced by Louis Roederer.

Fast Facts

1. 1876: Created for Russian Tsar Alexander II
2. Retail price: $350 and up
3. Annual production: 300,000 to 400,000 bottles
4. 1974: First release of a Rosé version
5. Recently popularized by hip-hop culture

The Louis Roederer Champagne House was founded in Rheims, France, in 1776. Roederer inherited it from his uncle in 1832 and gave it his own name. He was a masterful marketer and was successful in gaining global recognition for his champagnes. The United States and Russia became huge consumers.

Cristal champagne was created by Roederer's son in 1876 for Tsar Alexander II and became known as the "Champagne of the Tsars."

Cristal is made from Grand and Premier Cru grapes that are sourced from Roederer's own vineyards within the Champagne region of France. Typically, it is a blend of 45 percent Chardonnay and 55 percent Pinot Noir and is aged for six to seven years.