From its early days as a royal favourite, Cristal has become something of a cult icon. Here, we explore how Louis Roederer’s prestige cuvée came to be – and why, beyond the regal favour and even assassination attempts, it is a truly exceptional Champagne.

When you think of luxury Champagnes, which names pop to mind? Veuve Clicquot, Bollinger or Pol Roger perhaps. But there is one which often stands alone as an essence of true luxury and opulence: Cristal.

I will freely admit that prior to joining the wine trade, I thought Cristal was a Champagne House in its own right. It is, in fact, a prestige cuvée of Champagne Louis Roederer – just as Veuve Clicquot has La Grande Dame, Bollinger has La Grande Année and Pol Roger has Sir Winston Churchill.

The eponymous Louis Roederer inherited his uncle’s Champagne House (Dubois Père et Fils) in 1833 and renamed it after himself. When his son, Louis Roederer II, inherited it in 1870, its reputation was already sparkling among the great and good of international society – even royalty.

Tsar Alexander II of Russia was a tremendous fan of Roederer’s Champagnes and requested that the bestof every vintage be reserved for him. In 1876, Louis decided to distinguish the house’s top cuvée for the Tsar alone and it was named Cristal after its costly, clear glass bottle.

Champagne and other sparkling wines were (and still are) usually sold in dark bottles, most often green. This is to protect the liquid from light damage. When exposed to lots of light, particularly artificial light, for example in shops or windows, wine can develop “off” aromas and is, essentially, damaged. This is often referred to as “light strike”. Why the clear glass for Cristal then?

Tsar Alexander II’s reign was a tumultuous time in Russia’s history. He was ever fearful of assassination. Indeed, after three assassination attempts, his fear eventually came to be realised in 1881.

As well as its clear glass, there is another distinguishing feature of the Cristal bottle – its flat bottom. Both were instigated by Tsar Alexander at the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1867, to reassure him of his safety. At what has since become known as The Three Emperors Dinner, Alexander demanded that the evening’s Champagne be served in clear, flat-bottomed bottles. This would allow him to see the bubbles (in case of a poisoning attempt) and prevent any form of explosive from being hidden in the punt underneath the bottle.  

Cristal has been sold in clear, flat-bottomed bottles ever since. To protect it from potential light strike, the bottles are wrapped in gold cellophane. Ideally, this shouldn’t be removed until you pop the cork.

Speaking of popping corks, what can you expect from a glass of this fabled liquid? Typically a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay, Cristal is only ever produced in the best vintages, when the grapes are healthy and have reached full maturity. It is left to quietly mature on the lees for six years in the cellars at Louis Roederer followed by another eight months after it is disgorged. By the time it reaches your glass, you can expect vibrant flavours of succulent grapefruit, Williams pear and baked apple. The mid-palate brings the autolytic notes of brioche and fresh pastry and there’s an elegant twist of red fruit flavours from the Pinot Noir.  

Whether you’re celebrating a thoroughly special occasion or hosting the dinner party to end all others, your choice of what to drink is Cristal clear.   

Browse our range of Cristal vintages here.