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The colour is pale golden. The inclusion of oak aged reserve wines from four to 10 years is more apparent than in the 'Brut' quality champagnes. The reserve wines give complexity and roundness characteristic of Louis Roederer champagnes. During the blending 10% of reserve wines is added, this give Carte Blanche its extra dimension. Reserve wines are made up of the best wines from at least 3 former vintages, which are set aside to age in large oak casks in the Reserve Wine Cellar. After blending and the addition of the 'liqueur de tirage' this starts off the secondary fermentation, which creates the 'sparkle' in champagne the wines are left to mature for at least four years. This is in excess of the legal minimum. The final stages involve 'disgorging' the wine. This is where the sediment formed by the secondary fermentation is removed to give a clear liquid. At this stage the 'liqueur de dosage' is added. These liqueur wines are the result of a meticulous selection of wines that have been aged for six to ten years in the famous oak casks. They are added to compensate for the natural acidity of the champagne and to determine the style of the champagne. Before its addition champagne is considered 'extra brut' and the more liqueur that is added, the sweeter the champagne will be. Grape 34% Chardonnay, 56% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Meunier.
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