Larmandier-Bernier : Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 2013

The finesse and balance of a Blanc de Blancs vintage champagne

The estate

Located on the Côte des Blancs terroir, the Champagne Larmandier-Bernier has been growing its vines for the past eight generations. Since 1988, Pierre Larmandier has been the head of the family estate of 16 hectares with the ambition to produce an exceptional product that expresses authentically the purity of Champagne’s terroirs.

On average 33 years old, the vines have been cultivated biodynamically for more than 20 years in total respect for the terroir. Many concerted choices – a departure from chemical products, ploughing, indigenous yeasts, long ageing on lees in casks and barrels – have given Larmandier-Bernier’s wines a minerality and an expression of its unique terroir.

The wine

Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 2013 from Larmandier-Bernier has been developed from an exceptional terroir in Champagne at Cramant, facing south-west. Its easterly aspect fosters an aromatic, rich palette and the powerfulness of the grapes. These old vines – some more than 80 years old – are deeply rooted and diverse, perfect conditions for giving this champagne a singular complexity.

Winemaking and ageing

Delicate pressing before racking and funneling. Natural alcoholic fermentation, followed by malolactic fermentation in casks and large barrels, the first ageing on lees for a duration of 11 months. After being bottled, without any blend with other years because it is a vintage wine, it is aged for an additional seven to eight years minimum in the coolness of the house’s cellars. The disgorging takes place 12 months before it is put on the market. The dosage of this Extra Brut champagne is 2g/litre.

Blend

In production since 1988, this Larmandier-Bernier cuvée is 100% chardonnay.

Characteristics and tasting tips for Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 2013 from Larmandier-Bernier

Tasting

Balance, aromatic richness and an enduring taste are the main descriptors for the tasting of this Blanc de Blancs vintage champagne.