Larmandier-Bernier : Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 2016

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Champagne "Vieille Vigne du Levant" Grand Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 2016 by Larmandier-Bernier

Tasting

Appearance
The wine displays a pale to light gold hue, adorned with subtle green highlights in its youth. It is enlivened by an exceptionally fine effervescence, forming a steady bead and a creamy mousse.

Nose
The aromatic bouquet opens with notes of ripe white fruit such as apple and pear, mingled with hints of citrus and stone fruit. The whole is enriched by floral nuances and indulgent aromas of brioche, toast and hazelnut, all underscored by a chalky, iodine-tinged signature.

Palate
Ample and enveloping, the palate charms with its creamy texture and vinous structure. Carried by lovely acidic tension and pronounced minerality, the generous substance stretches towards an exceptionally long finish marked by delicate salinity.

Food and wine pairings

This gastronomic Champagne pairs wonderfully with poultry with morels or refined cream-based dishes. More generally, it will elevate white meats in a creamy mushroom sauce.

Serving and cellaring

To appreciate the full complexity of this 2016 vintage, it is best served between 10 and 12°C, ideally in a tulip-shaped glass or a white wine glass. Blessed with considerable ageing potential, this wine deserves to rest in the cellar for at least two years after purchase to open up fully, and will continue to evolve gracefully for many years to come.

The pure expression of a great Côte des Blancs terroir

The estate

Although the family's winegrowing history dates back to 1765, Maison Larmandier-Bernier was officially founded in 1971. Located in Vertus, in the heart of the Champagne region, the estate covers around 15 to 16 hectares. Today, it is run by Pierre and Sophie Larmandier, recently joined by their sons Arthur and Georges. A pioneer in its approach, the estate stands out for its certified biodynamic viticulture and minimal-intervention philosophy, aiming to express the purest identity of the great chalk terroirs.

The vineyard

This cuvée comes exclusively from the lieu-dit Bourron du Levant, located in the Cramant grand cru terroir. Facing south-east, this plot benefits from the first rays of the morning sun, promoting optimal ripeness of the grapes. The vines, ranging from 60 to over 85 years old and derived from massal selection, sink their roots deep into Campanian chalk. Farmed biodynamically without any pesticides, this exceptional Champagne terroir delivers moderate yields for maximum concentration.

The vintage

The 2016 vintage was marked by contrasting weather. After difficult spells of rain and heavy disease pressure, the end of the season brought much milder, more favourable conditions. This fine late season allowed the old, deep-rooted and exceptionally healthy vines to reach perfect ripeness while retaining lovely freshness.

Winemaking and ageing

Production begins with gentle pressing followed by light settling. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations start naturally thanks to indigenous yeasts, in wooden barrels and foudres. This Extra Brut is then aged on its natural lees for nearly eleven months, without any fining or filtration. After tirage, the bottles undergo lengthy ageing sur lattes in the cool chalk cellars for seven to eight years. Finally, disgorgement is carried out by hand around six months before release.

Grape variety

This Blanc de Blancs Champagne is 100% Chardonnay.