Champagne LeClerc Briant Les Monts Ferrés Extra Brut Vertus Premier Cru 2018

Established in 1872 by Lucien Leclerc in the village of Cumières, Champagne Leclerc Briant is a pioneering house renowned for its commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture. In 1955, under the leadership of Lucien's great-grandson Bertrand Leclerc and his wife Jacqueline Briant, the estate transitioned into a Champagne trading house and relocated to Épernay, adopting the name Leclerc Briant. The house was among the first in Champagne to embrace organic practices in the 1960s, and to produce single-vineyard cuvées in the 1970s. In the late 1980s, under Bertrand and Jacqueline's son Pascal, biodynamic principles were integrated, with Demeter certification achieved in 2003.

Following Pascal's passing in 2010, the estate was revitalized in 2012 when American Champagne enthusiasts Mark Nunnelly and Denise Dupré acquired it. Today, under the guidance of Frédéric Zeimett (after time spent at Moët, Pommery, and as managing director of Michel Chapoutier's wine empire), Leclerc Briant continues to craft exceptional Champagnes from their meticulously farmed estate – a testament to innovation, sustainability, and a deep respect for terroir.

The Les Monts Ferrés ("the iron mountains") cuvée is all Chardonnay, sourced from a single eponymous parcel in Vertus with chalky, iron-laced soils. Crafted with the highest level of care, it's a refined vision of Chardonnay that ages for 9 months in oak, then another 60 months on the lees before receiving a minuscule 1.4 g/L dosage that keeps the fruit intense and expressive.

With a brilliant lemony-yellow color and a soft, pillowy mousse, the energetic nose offers Meyer lemon, French baguette, cloves, and a gentle floral touch of chamomile and acacia. The palate is elegant and poised, with lively bubbles and an incredibly luxurious mouthfeel. Notes of crushed raspberry, Granny Smith apple, juicy nectarine, flaky almond croissant, poached pear, pickled ginger, and a touch of roasted hazelnut bring exceptional brightness and verve. This is Chardonnay showing masterful winemaking and lees aging while still letting the terroir clearly shine. With free shipping on a single bottle, plus $20 off per bottle on two or more with code LECLERCOFJULY at checkout, go ahead and skip the supermarket sparklers, and make this the centerpiece of your Independence Day.