Larmandier-Bernier Terre de Vertus Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature, Champagne 2015

Larmandier-Bernier 2015 'Terre de Vertus' Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature, Champagne, France

Winemakers: Pierre & Sophie Larmandier

Farming: Biodynamic

Grapes: 100% Chardonnay

Soil / Terroir: This plot of Chardonnay has been vinified separately since 1995. It’s a parcel named “Les Barillers”, situated mid-slope in Vertus. This terroir is very particular: delicate, saline and, at the same time, very complex. The balance is already present, so no need for any blending

Vinfication: The grapes are pressed gently, the juices are clarified very slightly and then go directly into wood. The natural alcoholic fermentation (indigenous yeasts) and the malolactic fermentation begin spontaneously in the Stockinger casks and vats. The wines are matured on the natural lees during their first year, with no filtering or fining being carried out.

The tirage takes place at the end of July and there is no blending with other years – this is a vintage Champagne – or with other terroirs – this is a single-parcel cuvée.

Aging: The bottles are taken down into the coolness of the cellars and stacked on lattes, the second fermentation takes place and maturation goes on for at least 5 more years. Each bottle is disgorged by hand 6 months before being marketed.

Dosage: 0g/L

Tasting Notes: An ideal Champagne to start a meal with; its purity makes it a delicate accompaniment for oysters. A very fine match with truffles. May be drunk now or laid down for 5 to 10 years. 

Scores / Accolades:

• 93 PTS, Wine Advocate

One of the true gems in Champagne, Larmandier-Bernier is a small grower estate with fifteen biodynamically farmed hectares in Grand Cru & Premier Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs.  Both the Larmandier and Bernier families have had a long history in the Champagne region, dating back to the French revolution, but it was not until the marriage of Philippe Larmandier and Elisabeth Bernier in 1971 that Champagne Larmandier-Bernier was officially established.  The small house today is directed by Pierre and Sophie Larmandier, who took over the direction of the family estate in 1988.

The Côte des Blancs lies south of  Epernay  and  is  the  source  for  many  top  cuvée  &  vintage  Champagnes  for  houses  of  all  sizes.  The vineyards are mostly situated on east facing slopes and 95% of the vines are the Chardonnay varietal (hence, the Côte des Blancs name). The soils in the area are typically a thin layer of top soil, beneath which lies the chalk that gives these wines their unique expression of minerality and terroir. Wines from this region are generally praised for their delicacy, freshness, and elegance.