Champagne LeClerc Briant Blanc de Meuniers Extra Brut 2016

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 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 working at Moët, Pommery, and as managing director of Michel Chapoutier’s wine empire), Leclerc Briant continues to craft exceptional Champagnes from their 8-hectare estate, remaining a model of innovation, sustainability, and a deep respect for terroir.

This cuvée sources Pinot Meunier from several meticulously selected Premier Cru vineyards in the Vallée de la Marne. It is a refined vision of Meunier that ages for nine months in oak, with an outstanding seven years on the lees before receiving a minuscule 1.8 g/L dosage to keep the fruit intense and expressive. With a brilliant golden hay color, the energetic nose presents a rush of fennel, alongside peonies and pear galette. The palate is tingly and vibrant, with notes of crushed raspberries, more fennel, preserved lemons, rain on dusty earth, and an undertone of sultry flint that sustains throughout a lengthy finish. It’s both juicy and creamy, with strong herbal accents that give it an altogether dynamic and complex personality that simply thrills. We’re by and away the lowest price on this Champagne anywhere, and you’ll be ecstatic to make this shining star from a prosperous producer yours!