Leclerc Briant : Vintage Extra Brut 2020

Characteristics and Tasting Tips for the Millésime Extra Brut 2020 from Leclerc Briant

Food and wine pairings
This Champagne pairs harmoniously with delicate seafood such as oysters, sashimi or fish carpaccio. It is also a wonderful match for refined starters like veal tartare and seasonal vegetables, as well as poultry, white meats and lightly aged pressed cheeses.

The expression and richness of a vintage Champagne

The estate
Founded in 1872 in Cumières and based in Épernay since 1955, Leclerc Briant is an emblematic figure of the Champagne region in France. A pioneer, it turned very early to environmentally friendly practices. Since its acquisition in 2012, the current owners, Denise Dupré and Mark Nunnelly, together with General Manager Frédéric Zeimett, have continued this legacy. Today, the House stands out as a fully certified organic and biodynamic producer, crafting living, distinctive wines.

The vineyard
The estate extends over approximately 14 hectares of its own vines, spread across a mosaic of prestigious terroirs that includes villages classified as Grand Cru such as Mailly and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, as well as Champagne Premier Cru villages such as Hautvillers, Cumières and Mareuil-sur-Aÿ. All of these plots are rigorously farmed according to biodynamic principles. The soils are worked mechanically, natural grass cover is preserved, and biodiversity is encouraged by the presence of horses and sheep in the vineyards.

Vinification and ageing
True to the House's philosophy, the Millésime Extra Brut 2020 benefits from a gentle winemaking approach, designed to support the intelligence of nature. The base wines spend at least nine months in barrel, promoting controlled micro-oxygenation. This is followed by extended ageing on the lees in the estate's deep cellars, which refines the effervescence and adds complexity to the aromatic structure, all with a minimal dosage to let the terroir express itself fully.

Grape varieties
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.