Champagne Larmandier-Bernier

From the beginning of the 20th century, the Larmandier’s were making Champagne which quickly proved their quality as winemakers.

In 1971, Philippe Larmandier, the grandson of Jules, created with his wife, Elisabeth Bernier, who owned vineyards in Vertus, Larmandier-Bernier Champagne. After the death of Phillipe, Elisabeth took over until their son, Pierre, returned after graduating.

Today, Pierre is still running the estate. In 2002, he bought about ten acres of vines in Vertus. Ten acres in Vertus is already exceptional, but what is perhaps unique in Champagne is the fact that these vines have never known any weed-killer, nor any processed household refuse. The soil is and always has been ploughed. The previous owner, who was taking retirement, knew that the vines would continue to be ploughed.

The estate was awarded one, and then two stars in the guide Classement des Meilleurs Vins de France. Pierre Larmandier was selected by the Revue des Vins de France as ‘most promising figure for wine 2002’ and ‘winegrower of the year 2003’ by Bernard Burtschy of GaultMillau. In The New France, Andrew Jefford considered that “few winegrowers in Champagne have such an impressive range of Champagnes”.

‘Longitude’ Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Premier Cru – £33.95
Perfect as an apéritif, its freshness, its frankness, its mineral quality will give you an appetite. You can drink it now or also keep it for several years.

It is made exclusively from Chardonnays grown on the Côte des Blancs: Vertus, Oger, Avize, Cramant, which form a line close to the 4th meridian. “Longitude” is also an allusion to the length and the very pure, frank and mineral style of these great terroirs, where the chalk is very close to the surface.

Terre de Vertus, Premier Cru Non Dosé (2009) – £39.50
No blending for this single-cru Champagne: Chardonnays only, coming from the vineyard plots of Les Barillers and Les Faucherets situated mid-slope in Vertus, facing south-east. One terroir only and one vintage only. An ideal Champagne to begin a meal, its purity will provide a delicate accompaniment for oysters, its richness will even vie with a few slices of Pata Negra.

Rosé de Saignée, Premier Cru Extra Brut – £46.95
This cuvée is made from Pinot Noir, picked in 2013 in Vertus from old vines. Try this Rosé Champagne with smoked wild salmon at Barthouil’s in Peyrorade.

 

www.larmandier.fr