UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE (USPTO)
`OFFICE ACTION (OFFICIAL LETTER) ABOUT APPLICANT’S TRADEMARK APPLICATION
`
`85233105
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) CORRESPONDENT ADDRESS:
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`*85233105*
`
`CLICK HERE TO RESPOND TO THIS LETTER:
`http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/teas/response_forms.jsp
`
`(cid:160) (cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) APPLICATION SERIAL NO.(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) MARK: CRISTAL(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) (cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160) (cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) APPLICANT:(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160) Champagne Louis Roederer (CLR)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) (cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) CORRESPONDENT’S REFERENCE/DOCKET NO :(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`08076.0344US(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160) CORRESPONDENT E-MAIL ADDRESS:(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`JOHN A. CLIFFORD(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`MERCHANT & GOULD P.C.(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55402-0910(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`PO BOX 2910
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`OFFICE ACTION
`
`STRICT DEADLINE TO RESPOND TO THIS LETTER
`TO AVOID ABANDONMENT OF APPLICANT’S TRADEMARK APPLICATION, THE USPTO MUST RECEIVE APPLICANT’S COMPLETE
`RESPONSE TO THIS LETTER WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF THE ISSUE/MAILING DATE BELOW.
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`SSUE/MAILING DATE:
`
`The referenced application has been reviewed by the assigned trademark examining attorney.(cid:160) Applicant must respond timely and completely to
`the issue(s) below.(cid:160) 15 U.S.C. §1062(b); 37 C.F.R. §§2.62, 2.65(a); TMEP §§711, 718.03.
`
`SEARCH OF OFFICE’S DATABASE OF MARKS
`
`(cid:160) T
`
`he Office records have been searched and there are no similar registered or pending marks that would bar registration under Trademark Act
`Section 2(d), 15 U.S.C. §1052(d). TMEP §704.02.
`SUMMARY OF ISSUES that applicant must address:
`
`Section 2(e)(1) Refusal- applicant’s mark is merely descriptive
`Amending to Section 2(f) or the Supplemental Register- (Advisory only)
`Applicant must provide the significance of the mark and additional information
`
`SECTION 2(e)(1) REFUSAL – MERELY DESCRIPTIVE
`
`Registration is refused because the applied-for mark merely describes a feature and character of applicant’s goods. (cid:160) Trademark Act Section
`2(e)(1), 15 U.S.C. §1052(e)(1); see TMEP §§1209.01(b), 1209.03 et seq.
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`ntroduction to Section 2(e)(1) Refusal
`
`(cid:160)A
`
` mark is merely descriptive if it describes an ingredient, quality, characteristic, function, feature, purpose or use of the specified goods, or if it
`conveys an immediate idea of the ingredients, qualities, or characteristics of the identified goods.(cid:160) TMEP §1209.01(b); see In re
`Steelbuilding.com, 415 F.3d 1293, 1297, 75 USPQ2d 1420, 1421 (Fed. Cir. 2005); In re Dial-A-Mattress Operating Corp., 240 F.3d 1341, 1346,
`57 USPQ2d 1807, 1812 (Fed. Cir. 2001); In re Gyulay, 820 F.2d 1216, 1217-18, 3 USPQ2d 1009, 1010 (Fed. Cir. 1987).(cid:160) “A mark may be
`merely descriptive even if it does not describe the ‘full scope and extent’ of the applicant’s goods or services.”
`(cid:160) In re Oppedahl & Larson LLP,
`373 F.3d 1171, 1173, 71 USPQ2d 1370, 1371 (Fed. Cir. 2004) (citing In re Dial-A-Mattress Operating Corp., 240 F.3d 1341, 1346, 57 USPQ2d
`1807, 1812 (Fed. Cir. 2001)); TMEP §1209.01(b).(cid:160) Rather, it is enough if the term describes only one significant function, attribute or property.(cid:160)
`In re Oppedahl, 373 F.3d at 1173, 71 USPQ2d at 1371; TMEP §1209.01(b).
`
`(cid:160)
`(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`

`

`(cid:160)A
`
`pplicant’s Mark is Merely Descriptive in Relation to Applicant’s Goods
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he determination of whether a mark is merely descriptive is considered in relation to the identified goods, not in the abstract.(cid:160) In re Abcor Dev.
`Corp., 588 F.2d 811, 814, 200 USPQ 215, 218 (C.C.P.A. 1978); TMEP §1209.01(b); see, e.g., In re Polo Int’l Inc. , 51 USPQ2d 1061 (TTAB
`1999) (finding DOC in DOC-CONTROL would be understood to refer to the “documents” managed by applicant’s software, not “doctor” as
`shown in dictionary definition); In re Digital Research Inc., 4 USPQ2d 1242 (TTAB 1987) (finding CONCURRENT PC-DOS merely
`descriptive of “computer programs recorded on disk” where relevant trade used the denomination “concurrent” as a descriptor of a particular
`type of operating system).(cid:160) “Whether consumers could guess what the product is from consideration of the mark alone is not the test.” (cid:160) In re Am.
`Greetings Corp., 226 USPQ 365, 366 (TTAB 1985). As will be demonstrated, below, applicant’s mark is merely descriptive in relation to its
`goods.
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`pplicant’s mark is “CRISTAL” for “champagne.” (cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`Applicant’s mark is comprised of a foreign term. (cid:160) “Cristal” is a French word for “crystal.” (cid:160) See, http://translate.google.com/#fr|en|cristal,
`http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_txt. The foreign equivalent of a merely descriptive English word or term is also merely descriptive.(cid:160) In re N.
`Paper Mills, 64 F.2d 998, 998, 17 USPQ 492, 493 (C.C.P.A. 1933).(cid:160) Under the doctrine of foreign equivalents, marks with foreign words from
`modern languages are translated into English to determine descriptiveness.(cid:160) TMEP §1209.03(g); see Palm Bay Imps., Inc. v. Veuve Clicquot
`Ponsardin Maison Fondee en 1772, 396 F.3d 1369, 1377, 73 USPQ2d 1689, 1696 (Fed. Cir. 2005). This doctrine is applied when the English
`translation is a literal and exact translation of the foreign wording.(cid:160) See In re Oriental Daily News, Inc., 230 USPQ 637, 638 (TTAB 1986)
`(holding Chinese characters that mean ORIENTAL DAILY NEWS merely descriptive of newspapers); In re Zazzara, 156 USPQ 348, 348
`(TTAB 1967) (holding PIZZA FRITTE, the Italian equivalent of “fried buns,” incapable for fried dough); TMEP §1209.03(g). Additionally,
`this doctrine is applied when it is likely that an ordinary American purchaser would “stop and translate” the foreign term into its English
`equivalent.(cid:160) Palm Bay, 396 F.3d at 1377, 73 USPQ2d at 1696; cf. TMEP §1207.01(b)(vi)(A).(cid:160) The “ordinary American purchaser” refers to “all
`American purchasers, including those proficient in a non-English language who would ordinarily be expected to translate words into English.” (cid:160)
`In re Spirits Int’l, N.V. , 563 F.3d 1347, 1352, 90 USPQ2d 1489, 1492 (Fed. Cir. 2009); see In re Thomas, 79 USPQ2d 1021, 1024 (TTAB 2006)
`(citing J. Thomas McCarthy, McCarthy on Trademarks and Unfair Competition §23:26 (4th ed. 2006), which states “[t]he test is whether, to
`those American buyers familiar with the foreign language, the word would denote its English equivalent.”).
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`n this case, the English translation of “crystal” into French is “cristal.” See, http://babelfish.yahoo.com/translate_txt,
`http://translate.google.com/#en|fr|crystal. Thus, the English translation is a literal and exact translation of the foreign wording. Additionally,
`French is considered a common, modern language.(cid:160) In re Optica Int’l , 196 USPQ 775 (TTAB 1977) (French).(cid:160) Moreover, an ordinary American
`purchaser would be likely to stop and make the translation given the similarity in spellings of “cristal” and “crystal” and the identical phonetic
`nature of these words when they are pronounced in English.(cid:160) As such, it is fitting in this case that applicant’s mark be translated into English to
`determine its descriptive nature.
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`n this case, the English translation of applicant’s mark is descriptive in relation to its goods. Applicant’s goods are provided in a crystal bottle.
`See, http://www.ehow.com/about_6523521_cristal-champagne_.html,
`http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:SnInFronU04J:wine.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Cristal_Champagne+champagne+why+called+cristal&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&source=www.google.com
`, http://www.antique-wine.com/topwines/cristal.aspx. Therefore, as applicant’s goods are provided in a crystal bottle, and “cristal” translates to
`“crystal” in English, the mark “CRISTAL” is merely descriptive of a feature and characteristic of applicant’s goods.
`(cid:160) Thus, registration is
`refused due to the merely descriptive nature of applicant’s mark.
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`lthough applicant’s mark has been refused registration, applicant may respond to the refusal(s) by submitting evidence and arguments in
`support of registration.
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`pplicant must respond to the requirement(s) set forth below.
`
`ACQUIRED DISTINCTIVENESS AND THE SUPPLEMENTAL REGISTER
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`he applied-for mark has been refused registration on the Principal Register.(cid:160) Applicant may respond by submitting evidence and arguments
`against the refusal.(cid:160) In addition, applicant may respond by doing one of the following:(cid:160) (1) amending the application to seek registration under
`
`Trademark Act Section 2(f), or (2) amending the application to seek registration on the Supplemental Register.(cid:160) See 15 U.S.C. §§1052(f), 1091.(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`Acquired Distinctiveness
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`f applicant believes that its mark has acquired distinctiveness, that is, that it has become a distinctive source-indicator for the goods and/or
`services, applicant may seek registration on the Principal Register under Trademark Act Section 2(f).(cid:160) See 15 U.S.C. §1052(f).(cid:160) The Office will
`decide each case on its own merits.
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)
`

`

`Applicant can amend its application to seek registration on the Principal Register based on a claim of acquired distinctiveness by (1) submitting
`actual evidence that the mark has acquired distinctiveness of applicant’s goods and/or services, (2) claiming ownership of a prior U.S.
`registration for the same mark and the same or related goods and/or services, or (3) providing the following verified statement:(cid:160) “ The mark
`has become distinctive of the goods and/or services through applicant’s substantially exclusive and continuous use in commerce for at
`least five years immediately before the date of this statement.” (cid:160) See 15 U.S.C. §1052(f); 37 C.F.R. §2.41; TMEP §§1212 et seq.
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`n determining whether the proposed mark has acquired distinctiveness, the following factors are generally considered:(cid:160) (1) length and
`exclusivity of use of the mark in the United States by applicant; (2) the type, expense and amount of advertising of the mark in the United States;
`and (3) applicant’s efforts in the United States to associate the mark with the source of the goods and/or services, such as unsolicited media
`coverage and consumer studies.(cid:160) See In re Steelbuilding.com, 415 F.3d 1293, 1300, 75 USPQ2d 1420, 1424 (Fed. Cir. 2005).(cid:160) A showing of
`acquired distinctiveness need not consider all of these factors, and no single factor is determinative.(cid:160) In re Steelbuilding.com, 415 F.3d at 1300,
`
`75 USPQ2d at 1424; see TMEP §§1212 et seq.(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`Evidence of acquired distinctiveness may include specific dollar sales under the mark, advertising figures, samples of advertising, consumer or
`dealer statements of recognition of the mark as a source identifier, affidavits, and any other evidence that establishes the distinctiveness of the
`mark as an indicator of source.(cid:160) See 37 C.F.R. §2.41(a); In re Ideal Indus., Inc., 508 F.2d 1336, 184 USPQ 487 (C.C.P.A. 1975); In re Instant
`
`Transactions Corp., 201 USPQ 957 (TTAB 1979); TMEP §§1212.06 et seq.(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`Supplemental Register
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`lthough registration on the Supplemental Register does not afford all the benefits of registration on the Principal Register, it does provide the
`following advantages:
`
`The registrant may use the registration symbol ®;
`The registration is protected against registration of a confusingly similar mark under Trademark Act Section 2(d);
`The registrant may bring suit for infringement in federal court; and
`The registration may serve as the basis for a filing in a foreign country under the Paris Convention and other international agreements.
`
`(cid:160)S
`
`ee 15 U.S.C. §§1052(d), 1091, 1094; TMEP §815.
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`o amend the application to the Supplemental Register, applicant must request such an amendment.(cid:160) See 15 U.S.C. §1091; 37 C.F.R. §2.47.
`
`SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MARK & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`pplicant must explain whether “CRISTAL” or “CRYSTAL” (cid:160) has any meaning or significance in the industry in which the goods are
`manufactured/provided, or if such wording is a “term of art” within applicant’s industry.
`(cid:160) Applicant must also explain whether this wording
`identifies a geographic place.(cid:160) See 37 C.F.R. §2.61(b); TMEP §814.
`
`(cid:160)F
`
`urther, applicant must provide additional information about this wording to enable proper examination of the application.(cid:160) Specifically,
`applicant must respond to the following questions:
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`1.) Are applicant goods provided in a crystal bottle?
`
`2.) Does “cristal” or “crystal” refer to the clarity or any other attribute (cid:160) of applicant’s (cid:160)(cid:160) goods?
`
`3.) Does “cristal” or “crystal” refer to any feature or quality of applicant’s goods?
`
`(cid:160)F
`
`ailure to respond to this request for information can be grounds for refusing registration.(cid:160) See In re DTI P’ship LLP , 67 USPQ2d 1699, 1701
`(TTAB 2003); TMEP §814.
`
`RESPONSE
`
`(cid:160)P
`
`lease see the applicant response section provided below the signature block of this Office Action for guidance in responding to this Office
`Action
`
`(cid:160)I
`
`f applicant has questions regarding this Office Action, please telephone or e-mail the assigned trademark examining attorney.(cid:160) All relevant e-
`mail communications will be placed in the official application record; however, an e-mail communication will not be accepted as a response to
`this Office action and will not extend the deadline for filing a proper response.(cid:160) See 37 C.F.R. §2.191; TMEP §§709.04-.05.(cid:160) Further, although
`the trademark examining attorney may provide additional explanation pertaining to the refusal(s) and/or requirement(s) in this Office Action, the
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`(cid:160)
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`

`

`trademark examining attorney may not provide legal advice or statements about applicant’s rights .(cid:160) See TMEP §§705.02, 709.06.
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`
`/N. Gretchen Ulrich/
`N. Gretchen Ulrich
`Trademark Attorney-Advisor
`Law Office 113
`Phone: (571) 272-1951
`gretchen.ulrich@uspto.gov
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)
`TO RESPOND TO THIS LETTER: (cid:160) Go to http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/teas/response_forms.jsp. (cid:160) Please wait 48-72 hours from the
`issue/mailing date before using TEAS, to allow for necessary system updates of the application.(cid:160) For technical assistance with online forms, e-
`mail TEAS@uspto.gov.(cid:160) For(cid:160)questions about the Office action itself, please contact the assigned trademark examining attorney.(cid:160)(cid:160) E-mail
`communications will not be accepted as responses to Office actions; therefore, do not respond to this Office action by e-mail.
`
`(cid:160)A
`
`ll informal e-mail communications relevant to this application will be placed in the official application record.
`
`(cid:160)W
`
`HO MUST SIGN THE RESPONSE:(cid:160) It must be personally signed by(cid:160)an individual applicant or(cid:160)someone with legal authority to bind an
`applicant (i.e., a corporate officer, a general partner, all joint applicants).(cid:160)(cid:160)If an applicant is represented by an attorney, the attorney must sign the
`
`response.(cid:160)(cid:160)
`PERIODICALLY CHECK THE STATUS OF THE APPLICATION: (cid:160) To ensure that applicant does not miss crucial deadlines or official
`notices, check the status of the application every three to four months using Trademark Applications and Registrations Retrieval (TARR) at
`http://tarr.uspto.gov/. (cid:160) Please keep a copy of the complete TARR screen. (cid:160) If TARR shows no change for more than six months, call
`1-800-786-9199. (cid:160) For more information on checking status, see http://www.uspto.gov/trademarks/process/status/.
`
`(cid:160)T
`
`O UPDATE CORRESPONDENCE/E-MAIL ADDRESS:(cid:160) Use the TEAS form at http://www.uspto.gov/teas/eTEASpageE.htm.
`
`(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)(cid:160)
`

`

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`W
`
`.Diddy, then you\re probably had a few glasses ofthis French spritzy golden |iqu_id. Apparently Posh and the
`ci'u.l:if:ii'n with Jay-Z or F’.
`
`Becks drink only
`so don‘t even bother__sending a bottle of Domtheirway. When I think
`a couple ofwords
`come to mind, extravangance and hype—and
`has a dump truck load ofboth.
`
`Louis Roederer
`
`Besides marking the year the American colonies decided to break from England, 1?'?'E was also the year that the Louis Roederer
`OLE House was founded by M. Duboise in Rheims, France. Since then, it has become one ofthe largest and most prestigious
`fami|y—owned3 Houses that has endured its share oftrials and tribulations. Louis Roederer himselfwas not present in its
`beginning butjoined his uncle's enterprise in 182? and inherited it
`in 1832.
`
`
`
` PIFIDT Nflif RB\-'iBWS - An
`Interview with Wine Expert
`JSYTTBS Michael
`
`Learn about Oreqon Pinot
`Noirwines from expert
`James Michael.
`
`gwine shield.
`Ezutn-«ii-.|u'u.<|Ip' Tu-.lr.r:|
`
`Pa tent- Fh:-riciin-{i Techri-:-lc-!_1'if
`
`if nothing else, lvlssr. Roedererwas a great marketer and successfully penetrated the
`Exhibiting no lack of ego, he gave it his own name.
`global marketplace with his
`By the time ofhio death in 1B?'B, Louis Roederer had turned his House into the leader in
`worldwide sales with the firm's two most important export markets being Russia and the United States, especially Russia, the Land of the
`Tsars. Marketing genius must be in the Roederer genes, in 1BF"E his son, Louis Roederer ll, created a special cuvee for Tsarfixlexander II.
`it was c,'a|_|ed,
`
`E of the Tsars
`
`all linked back to Tsar;-klexander ii. The primary story and the
`There are several legends surrounding the origins
`one endorsed by Louis Roederer, is first thatE had become the fashionable bubbly beverage ofthe Russian aristocracy. (Just
`think ofAnna Karenina sharing a glass with Count \-ironsky before their lives get overly intertwined and complicated.) lfvodka was the
`ubiquitous beverage forthe rabble—rousing proletariat, gwas Mother Russia's milk forthe imperial Court and aristocracy.
`The Tsartook a liking forthe sweeter (sec) natured composition ofthe Louis Roederer and commissioned his own
`Furthermore, the Isarwanted to make sure no one contused ."?.'SEW|lh any olthe other common bottles ot bubbly wine that
`everyone else was drinking. Besides being insecure, Tsarriklexandervvas also borderline paranoid and felt that his admiring subjects
`wanted to assassinate him. He requested that hisE be bottled in clear crystal so that his favorite liquid did not mask an
`explosive charge or dagger. Roederer responded to the challenge by having a Belgian glassmaker produce a thick lead crystal bottle with
`a flat bottom.
`
`The clear glass bottles were so strong that they did not need the punt (the indent on the bottle's bottom] to withstand the Champagne's
`pressure. The Tsarwas pleased that his Roedererwas different than everyone else's. No doubt the Russian imperial Coat ofArms on the
`lahel also helped make a iiniqiie statement ahniit the wine and set it apart frnm the nnmpetitinn Frnm that pnint nn,
`hename the
`traditional3 forthe Romanovs of St. Petersburg, well, at least up until 191?.
`
`KEEP WINE
`FRESH
`TO THE LAST GLASS
`
`ORDER NOW
`
`A Different Story
`The story above is a basic version. Another one has a couple ofchiseling brothers, Leon and Gustav Bousigues, in France producing
`knocifvoffg and adopting a deadbeat character named Theophile Roederer as a front man fortheir contraband label. In France
`this was illegal but in Russia, legal issues were more a state ofmind and the two brothers began unloading their contraband there and
`garnering significant popularity.
`
`

`

`httpzflwebcache. goocileusercontent. comr‘search'?g_=cache: Sn|nFronU0r1J:wine. lovetoknow. com.FwikirCristal Champagne+c
`05:'1 0r'"201 1 05:09:32 PM
`hampagne+why+cal|ed+cristal&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&source=ww-rv.gooci|e.com
`
`Aw.)r:I-Willlling
`Wane Prt.-servatloi1
`v No was
`' Nn t'I::rn1i--air.
`- No Taiht
`
`Luu.ILu. Bu\r'tl’lIine Shield .eom
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`
`According to this story, Tsarflxlexander ll, liked the brother's sweet version of; and their unique clear crystal bottle and chose
`thei'rI$§j_‘ _] as his personal
`With the downfall oft_h_e Tsar Nicholas, the fate ofthe brother's
`Empire deflated and
`
`Louis Roederer acqui
`d the derelict firm's assets including the
`Cuvee and its clear bottle design in bankruptcy. Thereupon,
`whitewashing the 'J‘3i<i§;i§'|' legacy.
`Which is true? It is convenient to swallowthe official Roederer story line but more interesting to contemplate the Elousigues version. Ooh-
`la-la.
`
`Post Russian Revolution
`
`With the loss oftheir best Russian customer, Tsar Nicholas, Louis Roederer hit hard times as their market dried up. However, Camille
`Orly—Roederer, widow ofthe grandnephewto the patriarch, Louis Roederer, set out to expand theirE empire. She rebuilt the
`company and began a program to increase theirvineyard holdings in thea region. Ely the mid—lS90s, Louis Roederer claimed
`almost 500 acres ofvineyards. These vast holdings gave Roedererthe strength to be their own primary supplier ofgrapes fortheir
`E. The result is their ability to maintain their autonomy and business independence, keeping Louis Roedererwithin the family.
`Today, Frederic Ftouzaud, Cami||e's great grandson, runs the eompany with his father, Jean Claude serving as Chairman ofthe Eloard.
`
`Secrets
`
`become such a cult wine favorite? Perhaps one secret behind their success is their source for grapes,
`So, why has
`their own vines. They pick only the best grapes from their own Grand and Premier Crus within theg region. Typically,
`is a blend oft15% Chardonnay and 55% Rinot Noir. It's the fizzyjewel ofthe House. TheS is aged 5-? years on the lees with
`another six months after disgorging.
`is best to hold for up to a decade before popping the cork.
`
`StylizedW
`
`ail is its expensive, the 2000 vintage goes for roughly $250.00 with auction prices all overthe place.
`One primary characteristic forif_
`Earliervintages can be had in the $500+ range. Looking past the price, the secrets to Cristal's style are not well hidden behind its clear
`glass bottle and opaque amber cellophane wrapper. The
`filtoday is probably different than the one Tsarflxlexander ll took a fancy to
`in 1S?'E. Today's
`is made in a drier Elrut style that is marked by citrus, hints of biscuit, occasional honeyed texture and a sprig of
`
`acid bite.
`is perhaps slightly sweeterthan othervintage Elruts but in a good vintage, the pricey elixirwill showfinesse, be
`expressive and demonstrate marvelous complexity. One bit of advice, sunlight is not a friend toS and it best to keep your
`bottle of.:_, __
`_
`cellared in the dark until you are ready.
`
`

`

`httpzflwebcache.googleusercontent.comi‘search'?q=cache:Sn|nFronUDr1J:\-vine.lovetoknow.com.u'vviki.«'Cristal Champagne+c
`hampagne+vvhy+cal|ed+cristal&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us&source=wvv-N.goocilecom
`D5f1Df2D‘l1 D5:D9:32 PM
`
`The Ultimate :1?
`
`Can the actuals meet the hype and a person's expectation? lt's definitely an upper-tierprestige cuvee but is it worth the
`inflated price? To some perhaps but there are others who swear by Dom Pérignon and find it more vivacious and illuminating than
`Others might be enticed by a F'errier—.JouetFi'eur deg and its Art Nouveau bottle. One shouldnt exclude Kflg and their elegant
`Grand Cuvée. Then again mon arnis, there's . These are not quite as expensive as a
`and but they can win your
`3-loving heartjust as easily. You might also consider lowering your expectations a few rungs and consider other Champagnes
`to meet a more modest budget. Think about it, you can get a case of excellent bubbly wine forthe price ofa single bottle
`Note
`also, that Louis Hoederer ovvns one of my favorite sparkling wine producers, Ftoederer Estate in California's Anderson Valley. They produce
`some ofthe best sparkling wine in the Roederer style for less than $25, far more affordable.
`
`
`
`What Happened to the Hip-Hop Lovefest?
`
`ln ZEIDE, after Louis Hoederer's Managing Director, Frederic Rouzaud, responded in a less than complimentary fashion to a
`Tsk. Tsk.
`reporter's question about Crista|'s association to the gangsta rap hip—hop community. As a result, .Jay—Z and P. Diddy, two high profile
`evangelists, put a cork in their Louis Roederera and switched allegiance.
`
`Author: .JayFranz
`
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`for a bottle ofvvine?
`
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`

`httpzflvvww. antique-wine. comftopwinesfcristal. asp):
`
`D5i"lDi"2D11 D5:D9:53 PM
`
`THE ANHTIQ-LIE WINE
`COMPANY
`
`History
`Founded in 1??E~, this magnificent champagne house was originally
`called Dubois Pere et Fils until 1833 when the business was
`acquired by Louis Roederer and renamed. Roederer quickly set
`about expanding the business and conquering the markets of
`Germany, Hungary, Sweden and, in particular, Russia.
`Roederer’s success was prolific and in 18?2, under Louis Roederer
`II’s management, distribution reached 2.5 million bottles,
`accounting for 1.-"1Dth of the world’s champagne production.
`In 18?6 Tsar Alexander II requested that a special cuvée be
`created for his court and Roederer duly obliged, creating what
`many regard to be the first prestige cuvée — Cristal. Originally a
`sweet blend, the champagne was named Cristal due to the
`distinctive clear lead crystal glass in which the champagne was
`bottled.
`
`In 1909, the House of Louis Roederer became the ‘Official Supplier
`to the Imperial Court of Russia’ — a business coup that was later
`reversed with the deposition of the Tsar during the Revolution of
`191?. However, the house survived this setback and today Louis
`Roederer remains an independent family-owned business,
`managed by Roederer’s descendant, Frédéric Rouzaud.
`(read more)
`Elrder top vintages of Louis Roderer Cristal
`
`' Cristal 1999: (98 PR)
`"_One of the finest Champagnes I have ever brought to my
`
`Champagne Louis Roederer
`Cristal ‘Website
`
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`
`DRDER LOUIS HOEDERER CRISTAL :2:
`
`Top "U'intag_es'
`Produced:
`'
`
`Classification:
`
`7-°i|i3|_3.§3_ll.5l510!7.C.l'E9,'112l3e39lL
`
`

`

`httpzsfllwww. antique-wine. comflopwinesfcristal. asp):
`
`D5l"l Dl"2D11 D5:D9:53 PM
`
`..
`..,_.._..,....- .
`lips..." — Pierre Rovani, The l-l-“me Advocate
`Cristal 1982 : (93 RG)
`"This towering, monumental wine possesses incredible
`vihranrty anrl rln=.linea1'inn..." — Antnnin Gallnni, The la'l.-".".".-r=.-
`Advocate
`
`_......:,.... .. ...,
`
`' Cristal Rose 1996 : (96 AG)
`".0. heady display of sheer class..." — .|'-intonio Galloniy The
`l-'l-"me Advocate
`
`Varieties:
`
`Wines Produced:
`
`(55°II|'°-)J- Chardonnay
`Louis Roederer Criisi:tal"R-o's'_ __
`I‘-Joir ('so.°x»).. cl‘-.aHji
`
`'
`
`vintages B: Formats available for Lou