How Much Does a Bottle of Cristal Cost?
Cristal, which is a champagne produced by Louis Roederer, is known for its exclusivity and expensive taste.
While most champagne used to come in dark green glass bottles, Cristal was introduced in a clear flat-bottom bottle. The reason that Roederer designed it this way was that a tsar of Russia requested to be able to see the bubbles in the champagne. However, his real reason behind this was so that he could ensure there were no bombs inside the bottle since he was terrified of being assassinated.
Because this champagne was made specifically for royalty and has a distinctive bottle and label design as well as taste, it has remained one of the most popular and most expensive types of champagnes available today.
How much does a bottle of Cristal cost?
On average, most average sized bottles of Cristal are going to cost anywhere from $150 to as much as $300. However, some vintage bottles can reach well into the thousands, just like any other prominent wine brands. In 2005, for example, a bottle of 1990 Cristal Brut sold for $18,000 at Sotheby’s. The costs, in the end, will depend on the condition, if its vintage and where it’s being purchased.
We researched the Internet and we were able to find some vintage bottles, along with newer bottles. We included the price we had found in the table below:
| Year/Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Louis Roederer Cristal 2006 (1.5L Magnum) | $650 |
| Louis Roederer Cristal 2009 in Gift Box | $250 |
| Louis Roederer Cristal 3-Pack (2000, 2004, 2005) | $800 |
| Louis Roederer Cristal Rose 2009 in Gift Box | $550 |
| 2007 Vintage Louis Roederer Cristal Rose | $475 |
| 2007 Louis Roederer Cristal Vintage Magnum | $475 |
| 2007 Magnum (1.5L) - Magnum Vintage Rose Champagne | $1,100 |
| 2009 750ml - Vintage Champagne | $175 |
Wine-searcher.com claims that the average price for a bottle of Cristal champagne is $295.
WineFolly.com says the average cost is about $150, with the best years being 2005, 2004, 2002, 2000, 1999, 1997, 1996 and 1995.
Cristal overview
Cristal, the brand name of a Champagne produced by Roederer, includes a flat-bottomed, clear, crystal bottle, anti-UV cellophane wrapper, and gold label.
Cristal was first created in 1876 for Alexander II of Russia. The wine was not commercially available until 1945, and the 1974 vintage was the first release of the rosé Cristal. The grape composition is an approximately equal blend of Chardonnay and Pinot noir while therosé contains more Pinot noir and is colored with red wine the saignée method.
Meanwhile, the 2000 Cristal includes 55 percent Pinot Noir and 45 percent Chardonnay with a dosage of 10g/l.
Typical bottles are 750 mL.
The grapes are sourced from older low yielding vines and are cropped at the beginning. In the winery, all blocks are fermented.
Cristal is sourced from the oldest vines with a minimum 25 to 30 years old.
What are the extra costs?
Shipping costs may apply if purchased online.
Tips to know
A bottle of Cristal has a vibrant and mouthwatering taste and considered to have a dry and bubbly finesse. Flavors can include apple, lemon zest, orange peel, raspberry, white chocolate and pastry dough.
Foods that pair great with this type of wine is lobster, scallops and any type of white meat.
Storing the wine
Store the wine in an area at a steady temperature, such as a fridge or wine cellar. There are also some wine companies that provide wine storage to those who do not have the means to do so.
Store your bottles horizontally. This keeps the cork moist, which in turn, prevents unwanted air from entering into the bottle and marring the taste of the wine.
Do not leave the bottle in the freezer; if the contents freeze and expand, the bottle could crack.
Cristal is one of the many types of champagne or wine that has a unique and vintage label. To keep this label from getting damaged, keep the bottle out of humidity as much as possible. You can also cover the label with plastic to protect it.
How can I save money?
With so many wines on the market, Cristal tends to be expensive because of the celebrity image attached to it. If you can, try to test the wine before investing in a bottle if purchasing it for taste purposes.
Be on the lookout for local sales and/or promotions from local or online wine retailers. Since purchasing wine online is next to impossible, it is best to either call up a few local wine retailers or visit them in person to see what kind of deal you can take advantage of.
In the world of wines, as you may know, there are thousands of choices. If you don’t feel like paying $300 for a bottle of wine, but you want the same taste, then Beppi Crosariol of the Globe and Mail recommends the entry-level Louis Roederer Brut Premier for $70 or the Roederer Estate l’Hermitage Brut, $55 alternative. The lower-end, at $29, would be a bottle of Roederer Estate Brut.
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Average Reported Cost: $222.5
How much did you spend?
- Wino (Bellevue, Washington) paid $185 and said:
it was a couple of year ago
Was it worth it? Yes
- Riott (Pueblo, Co, Colorado) paid $260 and said:
Not too bubbly, no bomb, and I wasn’t assassinated. The perfect champaigne to celebrate a great year.
Was it worth it? Yes
