Louis Roederer's vineyards cover two thirds of the company's needs, which is rare for a Champagne House. This situation gives Louis Roederer greater control over its production. Seventy five hectares are cultivated according to biodynamic principles, which makes it the largest biodynamic estate in the Champagne region. In 2021, Louis Roederer was awarded with Robert Parker Green Emblem. The Robert Parker Green Emblem is given in recognition of the most extraordinary cases of sustainable efforts in the wine industry. This distinction is awarded to wineries that have achieved outstanding commitment to sustainable viticulture after a thorough audit by the experts at Robert Parker Wine Advocate. It distinguishes producers that are committed to the long-term protection of the environment and biodiversity. 115 hectares of its historic vineyards have now become eligible for organic growing certification – the grapes of the 2021 harvest issued from these plots will have official “AB” organic certification (the organic certification symbol in France). Winemaking Every year, about 600 people are employed to pick the grapes in the Louis Roederer vineyards. The vintage lasts for ten to fifteen days. Tractors transport the grapes in 50 kg baskets from the vineyards to Louis Roederer's own press-houses in the heart of the vineyards. The musts obtained from the pressing are then transported to Louis Roederer's cellars in Reims. Upon arrival in Reims the musts are delivered either into small stainless steel tanks or into oak vats, no bigger than the equivalent of one to two hectares of vineyards, and there they begin their fermentation. The characteristics and qualities of each plot are thus preserved right up to the blending stage. In winter, each wine is tasted by the Cellar Master and his team of oenologists prior to blending and bottling in the spring. Reserve wines Champagne is a blend of wines from different locations. Thanks to its vineyards, Louis Roederer has a vast palette of the finest wines from which to create its cuvées. Not all of these wines are used immediately. Some are set aside to age in large oak casks in the reserve wine cellar; later they will either be included in blends of Louis Roederer's Brut Premier champagne to ensure quality, or be used for the dosage in the liqueur d'expédition. The reserve wines destined for the liqueur d'expédition are selected from the best wines from each vintage. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines from eight to