Drastic plot selectionThe "Domaine Cristal" is historically composed of 45 historic plots (lieux-dits) classified as 100% Grand Cru.Due to a highly complex and wet spring in 2016 (which caused downy mildew issues), Chef de Cave Jean-Baptiste Lécaillon carried out an extremely strict selection.Only 32 out of 45 plots were deemed suitable to be included in the final blend. The vines have an average age of over 20 years.Technical winemaking dataComposition: 58% Pinot Noir (mainly sourced from the northern slopes of Verzenay) and 42% Chardonnay.Use of oak: 31% of the base wines were vinified and aged in large oak vats (large conical tuns) to add volume, creaminess, and microscopic oxygenation.Malolactic Fermentation: 0%. Malolactic fermentation is completely blocked to preserve the crisp natural acidity and mineral tension intact, ensuring monumental longevity.Dosage: 7 g/l (classified as Brut). A restrained dosage to avoid masking the chalky essence of the terroir.Aging and Disgorgement (Dégorgement)The wine rested on its lees in the bottle for approximately 6 years in the historic cellars of Reims.It underwent disgorgement (dégorgement) in mid-2024 and was left to rest in the cellar for an additional 8 months prior to commercial release, helping to stabilize its balance after the process.Agricultural philosophyThe 2016 vintage represents the fifth edition of Cristal produced entirely from grapes grown according to strict certified organic and biodynamic farming protocols. According to the Maison, the vines proved to be more mature and resilient in absorbing nutrients from the chalky soil compared to the past. To view the historical details of the cuvée, visit the official Louis Roederer website.