Why Cristal will always be the king of Champagnes

In the weeks following the autumn harvest, Richard Mackichan steps inside the champagne house turning sunlight into gold

Words: Richard MacKichan
Photography: Greg Funnell

Why does Cristal hold such a magical place in the wine lover’s imagination? Why do those golden bottles glow with a lustre like no-other? And what is it about the 2008 vintage that makes it perhaps the greatest ever? Richard Mackichan discovers just why Louis Roederer Cristal is the king of champagnes…

Already a member

Become a Subscriber

Discover the perks of being a member

	Clubhouse Membership
Two Magazines per yearDelivered to your door
Full Access to Paywall contentAccess to all member-only online features
Membership Cardto redeem all the perks.

Whisky of the Week: One Cask at a Time ‘Highland Park 1996’

Gear -- 4 days ago

The Best Smartwatches for 2026 | Looking Smart & Busy

Gear -- 5 days ago

Why Cristal will always be the king of Champagnes

Become a Subscriber

Further reading

Whisky of the Week: One Cask at a Time ‘Highland Park 1996’

The Best Smartwatches for 2026 | Looking Smart & Busy

The Best Camera Phones Of 2026

Become a Subscriber

A free newsletter worth opening