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Upon inheriting the Champagne House in 1833, the aesthete and entrepreneur Louis Roederer adopted a visionary approach to enriching his vineyards, aiming to master every stage of winemaking. He forged the wine's unique style, character, and flavor. In the mid-19th century, Louis Roederer acquired some of Champagne's grand cru vineyards – an approach that contrasted sharply with contemporary practices.
While other Houses bought their grapes, Louis Roederer cultivated his own vineyards, familiarized himself with the specific characteristics of each plot, and methodically acquired the best land. Louis Roederer's guiding principle was that all great wine depends on the quality of the soil, a passion for tradition, and a shrewd vision of the future; the fame and reputation of the House of Louis Roederer were firmly established. His heir, Louis Roederer II, was equally enlightened and adopted his father's conscientious approach to champagne production, estate management, and instinctive daring.
He also drew inspiration from the many books and drawings he had collected with great discernment. In the 1870s, the Louis Roederer Champagne House began exporting its wines to the United States and even to Tsar Alexander II of Russia.
A man of refined taste and an inveterate researcher, Louis Roederer II crafted an exclusive champagne for the Tsar and launched an innovative concept: the first Cuvée de Prestige. Created in 1876 and named 'Cristal', the subtlety and elegance of Cristal have forged Louis Roederer's reputation for excellence since then.
In the 1920s, the future heir to the House of Louis Roederer, Léon Olry-Roederer, devoted his efforts to creating a highly balanced wine – a consistent and delicate blend of several vintages, to ensure that the wine was always of the highest quality. This wine would form the basis for the later Brut Premier. This fine blend contributed greatly to the rebirth of the House of Louis Roederer.
After his death, from 1933 onwards, the winery was managed by his determined widow, Camille, who ran the Champagne House with formidable intelligence and singular dynamism. Camille loved horse racing and owned one of the most famous stables in the world; she was also an enlightened patron and embraced the most festive and pleasurable aspects of champagne. Camille Olry-Roederer held many receptions at the family's Hôtel Particulier in Reims. These parties had a lasting impact on the history of the house and introduced a new generation of wine lovers to the joys of Louis Roederer Champagne.
His grandson, Jean-Claude Rouzaud, an oenologist and agronomist, took over the management of the entire property and decided to consolidate the vineyards. Through his passionate commitment to wine culture, he cultivated more than ever the inventive qualities that are so representative of the House's philosophy.
Louis Roederer House has remained an independent family business and is now run by Jean-Claude's son, Frédéric Rouzaud, who represents the seventh generation of the lineage. With the same patience and unwavering faith in his creative vocation, the House of Louis Roederer exports annually total three million bottles worldwide.
