Leclerc Briant : Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2019

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of the Leclerc Briant Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2019

Tasting Notes

Color
Fluid and luminous, it reveals a pale yellow hue with subtle green-yellow highlights, enhanced by a fine, lively string of bubbles.

Nose
Wonderfully complex, the bouquet opens with aromas of Asian pear, jasmine, and chalk. It then evolves toward gourmand, fruity notes reminiscent of white peach, lemon, Granny Smith apple, hazelnut, and meringue, underscored by subtle touches of licorice and peppermint.

Palate
The palate offers a plump, smooth texture, supported by a fresh, perfectly integrated acidity. The mid-palate reveals generous, well-balanced fruit. The long, precise finish stretches out on a chalky minerality that concludes with delicate saline and marine notes.

Serving and Aging

For optimal enjoyment, this champagne is best served at a temperature between 10 and 12°C. This wine can be enjoyed now and will continue to evolve favorably over the 5 to 6 years following its disgorgement date.

Food and Wine Pairing

This wine pairs wonderfully with fresh oysters, raw seafood, or delicate fish sushi and sashimi. It will also shine alongside shrimp risotto, grilled green asparagus, fresh goat cheese, or veal blanquette.

The Mineral Elegance of a Blanc de Blancs Champagne by Leclerc Briant

The Estate

Founded in 1872 by Lucien Leclerc in Cumières, the Leclerc Briant Champagne House relocated to Épernay in 1955. A pioneer of organic and biodynamic viticulture as early as the 1960s, the estate is now led by Frédéric Zeimett, following its 2012 acquisition by American couple Mark Nunnelly and Denise Dupré. Supported by cellar master Hervé Jestin, the house stands out for its holistic approach and minimal-intervention winemaking. Having become a genuine "bio-chic" reference, the house ranks among the most admired brands in the world.

The Vineyard

The estate relies on 14 hectares of its own vines, mostly classified as Premier and Grand Cru, complemented by 15 hectares of purchased grapes certified organic or biodynamic. The fruit for this cuvée comes from Champagne's most prestigious terroirs dedicated to white grape varieties, with particular emphasis on the Grand Cru of Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and the Côte des Blancs, renowned for their purely chalky soils. The vineyard is farmed according to biodynamic principles, favoring eco-grazing and drastically limiting the use of copper.

The Vintage

The year 2019 began with a mild, humid winter followed by a warm spring that encouraged rapid vine growth. Summer was marked by two heatwaves in June and July, causing some losses due to sunburn. However, the sunny conditions of August and September allowed the berries to reach a high level of concentration. The cool nights preceding the harvest, which began on September 2nd, were crucial in preserving the grapes' beautiful natural acidity.

Winemaking and Aging

True to the estate's philosophy, winemaking follows a minimal-intervention approach. Fermentations occur spontaneously and take place in various vessels, including stainless steel tanks and oak barrels, with a deliberately moderate oak influence. The estate carries its environmental commitment through to packaging, using recycled glass and aluminum, as well as cotton labels. This extra brut champagne features a very low dosage.

Grape Variety

Chardonnay (100%).