If you are a lover of Champagne, you will already know the Roederer Champagne house. If you are a lover of design, particularly the Alessi citrus juicer, you will already know of Philippe Starck. When Roederer teamed up with him, Starck insisted that he had input into how the wine was made. Hence, this is a no added sulphite and brut nature (zero dosage) wine. With the release of the 2012 vintage, there is also a rose version.

And of course, he designed the label for the Roederer Philippe Starck wines and these also reflect the philosophy behind the wine. The same philosophy of attainable stylishness which underlines all his designs, be it an office, a yacht or a chair. Starck’s take on the wine is, “These champagnes need no artifice. Their beauty is revealed at the heart.”  This is sentiment you will often see with Champagnes of this style.

(Please click here to read more about zero dosage Champagne). 

The Roederer Philippe Starck wines are vintage Champagnes and I tasted the 2009 vintage made also from biodynamic grapes. The blend is a loose ‘two thirds’ pinot noir and pinot meunier and one third chardonnay. All co-fermented. There has been extended lees contact, no malolactic fermentation and a quarter of the base wine had time in oak for just that touch of richness.

It really is a mouthful of intense lemon citrus, peach and apple, embellished with an almond cinnamon pastry shell. For a savoury touch, there is a streak of oyster shell. It seems to tred lightly but evenly over the palate before finishing with an almost pristine flourish. It is a wine to savour and let unfurl over appetisers and starters.    

Quickie review « A careful and considered style of Champagne. Yet, one that doesn’t take itself too seriously. »

Country of Origin: Champagne AOC, France
Tasting Date: June 2019
Price: €66 | £80 | US$80 ++ | AU$165
Drink: now
Needs food: no
Source: Tasting

Love Champagne? Click here to read more about organic and biodynamic Champagne and the people who produce them.

Visit Maison Louis Roederer for more details.

Click here to listen to Colette Bonnet talk about growing and making Champagne as an organic winemaker.