Champagne Larmandier-Bernier: The Wine Range
Larmandier-Bernier is one of the highlights of the organic and biodynamic champagne category. The domaine is renowned for its respect for nature, the use of indigenous yeasts, and minimal intervention in the vinification process. The range of wines emphasizes the unique terroirs, its natural approach, and the expressiveness of the grape varieties. Below is an overview of the key cuvées.
Latitude
Origins: Originally known as “Tradition”, this cuvée was renamed “Latitude” to better represent its character and its origin from the southern part of Vertus, a generous terroir. Latitude is crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes sourced within the same latitudinal band. The blend includes 40% reserve wines from a perpetual reserve established in 2004.
Composition:
100% Chardonnay
40% reserve wines
Dosage: 2 g/L (Extra Brut)
Vinification and Maturation: The grapes undergo gentle pressing, followed by minimal clarification. Fermentation, both alcoholic and malolactic, occurs naturally with indigenous yeasts in Stockinger casks and vats. Wines are matured on lees for one year without filtration or fining. After blending and tirage in July, the bottles mature in cellars for at least two years, with second fermentation taking place during this period. Each bottle is hand-disgorged nine months before release.
Vieille Vigne du Levant
Origins: This cuvée comes from a single parcel in Cramant, “Bourron du Levant,” with vines aged between 60 and over 85 years. These south-east facing vines benefit from deep roots and diverse plant stocks, enhancing the complexity of the resulting wine.
Composition:
100% Chardonnay
100% from Cramant
Dosage: 2 g/L (Extra Brut)
Vinification and Maturation: The grapes are pressed gently, with minimal clarification before fermentation in Stockinger casks and vats using indigenous yeasts. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally. Maturation on lees lasts for one year without filtration or fining. The tirage takes place in July, and the wine matures in cellars for an additional nine years. Disgorgement is done manually one year before release.
Les Chemins d’Avize
Origins: This single-parcel Champagne originates from Avize, specifically from two parcels, “Chemin de Plivot” and “Chemin de Flavigny.” These plots feature poor soil with exposed chalk and vines over 60 years old.
Composition:
100% Chardonnay
100% from Avize
Dosage: 2 g/L (Extra Brut)
Vinification and Maturation: After gentle pressing, the must undergoes spontaneous alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in Stockinger casks and vats. Wines are matured on lees for one year with no filtration or fining. Bottles are aged in cellars for at least six years following the tirage. Disgorgement is performed by hand one year prior to release.
Rosé de Saignée
Origins: Produced from Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris grown together in a single Vertus parcel. This rosé is made using the saignée method, involving short maceration of the grape skins.
Composition:
90% Pinot Noir
10% Pinot Gris
Dosage: 2 g/L (Extra Brut)
Vinification and Maturation: Grapes are partially destemmed and macerated for 2-3 days. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts occurs in tanks or concrete eggs, followed by malolactic fermentation. Wines mature on lees for approximately one year before tirage in late July. Bottles age for a further two years in cellars, with manual disgorgement six months prior to release.
Terre de Vertus
Origins: This single-parcel, single-vintage Champagne comes from the “Les Barillers” plot in Vertus. The mid-slope location and unique terroir yield a wine with inherent balance, negating the need for blending or dosage.
Composition:
100% Chardonnay
0 g/L Dosage (Brut Nature)
Vinification and Maturation: Grapes are gently pressed and undergo natural fermentation in Stockinger casks and vats. Malolactic fermentation occurs spontaneously. Wines mature on lees for one year without filtration or fining. Following tirage in July, bottles are aged for at least six more years in cellars. Disgorgement is carried out by hand one year before release.
Cramant Nature
Origins: This still wine (non-sparkling) is crafted from Chardonnay grapes harvested in Cramant. It represents a rare expression of the terroir without effervescence.
Composition:
100% Chardonnay
2 years in oak casks
100% from Cramant
Vinification and Maturation: The wine undergoes natural alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in casks, with maturation on lees for two years. Gentle stirring is applied, and no filtration or fining is performed.
Vertus Rouge
Origins: Made from old-vine Pinot Noir in Vertus, this red wine is produced under highly selective conditions to ensure quality.
Composition:
100% Pinot Noir
2 years in oak casks
100% from Vertus
Vinification and Maturation: Grapes are partially destemmed and macerated for approximately 12 days. Natural alcoholic fermentation occurs, followed by two years of maturation in casks.
Longitude
Origins: This Blanc de Blancs cuvée is crafted from Chardonnay sourced along the Côte des Blancs (Vertus, Oger, Avize, and Cramant), forming a line near the 4th meridian. The blend includes 40% reserve wines from a perpetual reserve initiated in 2004.
Composition:
100% Chardonnay
40% reserve wines
Dosage: 2 g/L (Extra Brut)
Vinification and Maturation: Grapes undergo gentle pressing and slight clarification. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts in Stockinger casks and vats. Malolactic fermentation proceeds naturally, and wines mature on lees for one year. Blending and tirage are carried out in July. Bottles mature in cellars for at least two years, with hand disgorgement nine months prior to release.
Each of these cuvées from Larmandier-Bernier showcases meticulous attention to terroir and winemaking technique, providing a comprehensive representation of the estate's expertise in Champagne production.