I for one have only ever come across the term Cristal champagne when listening to lyrics in rap songs, for example in Jay Z’s “It’s a Hard Knock Life” album, which suggests that the brand is highly associated with hip hop culture. After a bit of initial research it became apparent that this is quite true. However, let’s start at the beginning.
Cristal was first produced in 1876 in Russia for Tsar Alexander II, who required champagne to be made in a clear bottle, as he was weary of someone putting weapons inside his much-loved traditionally green bell shaped champagne bottles, which were easily able to hide any contents inside very well. In order for clear bottles to be made, a Flemish glassmaker was commissioned to create a champagne bottle with a flat bottom, this in itself was a big challenge, since the punt (or the bell shaped bottom) in traditional champagne bottles was used to withstand the pressure inside the bottle. Therefore, a much stronger material needed to be used – this was translated into clear lead crystal and so, this is why this particular champagne is known as
Cristal Champagne today.
Today, Louis Roederer produces Cristal champagne, which is bottled in flat-bottomed, clear crystal bottles with a gold label attached and anti-UV cellophane wrapping entwined around it. A bottle of vintage 75cl Cristal champagne is normally sold in the region of £150 - £300. This is because, Cristal is made according to exacting standards, based on a drastic process of selection applying to the vintage, the cru, the village, the grapes and then lastly the wines. The grapes used in Cristal are only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the champagne house’s 10 most distinguished crus.
Cristal champagne and Louis Roederer are brands well connected with elegance, prestige as well as money. Since its origin, Cristal champagne has been linked with hard graft as well as aristocracy, which is prevalent in the high price tag. Today, Cristal is also a brand known for having a strong association with the hip hop culture, suggesting that it a brand that everyday people who have come from conflicting backgrounds can drink and use as a way of expressing their past plight and more recent success. It is therefore a drink that ordinary people can drink to mark triumph and achievement.
Date posted: 02/04/2010
