Champagne Larmandier-Bernier Blanc de Blancs Terre de Vertus Brut Nature Premier Cru 2017

The grapes of this Champagne are grown on the mid-slopes of the Vertus Premier Cru, all harvested in the warm 2017 vintage, and immediately pressed. The native yeast fermentation in wood vats follows, culminating in malolactic fermentation that occurs spontaneously in the cellar’s prized Stockinger casks and vats (considered to be the Ferrari of fermentation vessels). After a year of aging in barrel and vat, the wine is blended and bottled, to be left to age on the lees in bottle. No dosage (Larmandier never doses any of their Champagnes above 4 grams per liter), but left with a scant 1 gram per liter of unresolved grape sugar – which greatly explains the immense amplitude of this fine wine. For this single vintage, single parcel wine made from a single grape – the focus is on crafting the truest sense of the vineyard’s terroir – and of course, that inimitable Larmandier-Bernier style. 

The Larmandier family have been cultivating their Grower Champagnes from their home base in Vertus since 1971. This Premier Cru joins the Grands Crus of Oger and Avize here in the Côte des Blancs to make up the family holdings of some 47 acres. Chalk is the one ever-present aspect of their selected terroirs – a finely chosen selection of Campanian chalk that grants their wines an unending freshness and vibrant minerality. More recent to the property is the focus on biodynamic farming – an important effort initiated by Pierre Larmandier around 20 years ago now. Great soil and thoughtful agriculture are tenets of the Larmandier philosophy, and their efforts greatly show in the wines.

Lightly golden, and sporting a stable, condensed mousse – this 2017 Brut Nature opens with initial aromas of lemon, sage, and concrete after rain. Fruit sensations follow in the mouth, with accents of orange, lime, and crisp Bartlett pears, alongside some perfumed floral sensations of orange blossoms, with some salty sea air, buttery croissant, and a finishing kiss of smoky flint. It’s exceptionally well done – tingly and acidic, but also soft and round, with a lasting finish and fine elegance to it. We have less than six cases available – so go ahead and treat yourself to something special!