Larmandier-Bernier Terre de Vertus Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru 2015 (Magnum)

Since the 19^th century, the LARMANDIER family have been cultivating their vines in the premiers and grands crus of the Côte des Blancs. Chalk is the keystone of these great terroirs.

Indeed, among the different production areas of the Champagne appellation, only the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs are situated on the Campanian chalk which is at the origin of the elegant mineral quality of Larmandier-Bernier Champagnes.

Having been biodynamically produced for more than 20 years, Larmandier-Bernier’s Champagnes are unique: mature, mineral, pure, as close as they can be to their terroir.

This plot of Chardonnay has been vinified separately since 1995. It’s a parcel named “Les Barillers”, situated mid-slope in Vertus. This terroir is very particular: delicate, saline and, at the same time, very complex. The balance is already present, so no need for any blending. Chardonnay 100%, a single terroir and a single vintage

The grapes are pressed gently, the juices are clarified very slightly and then go directly into wood. The natural alcoholic fermentation (indigenous yeasts) and the malolactic fermentation begin spontaneously in the Stockinger casks and vats. The wines are matured on the natural lees during their first year, with no filtering or fining being carried out..

The bottles are taken down into the coolness of the cellars and stacked on lattes, the second fermentation takes place and maturation goes on for at least 5 more years. Each bottle is disgorged by hand 6 months before being marketed.

This wine is 0% dosage (no sugar added) so as to respect, throughout, its purity.

An ideal Champagne to start a meal with; its purity makes it a delicate accompaniment for oysters. A very fine match with truffles. May be drunk now or laid down for 5 to 10 years.

"Disgorged this spring, the 2015 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Terre de Vertus offers up generous aromas of stone and orchard fruit mingled with hints of buttery pastry and blanched almonds, reflecting the ripe, sunny profile of the vintage. Full-bodied, rich and vinous, it's a muscular, fleshy rendition of this cuvée that will need a bit of time to settle down after its recent disgorgement. Right now, it can't quite match its less weighty and more chiseled 2014 and 2013 predecessors." - 93 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2015 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Terre de Vertus 1er Cru is a brilliant wine that combines textural richness and energy. The aromatics are a bit muted today, but that should not be an issue in a few months. All the 2015 needs is time. The Terre de Vertus is a blend of parcels in the Barillers and Faucherests lieux-dits. As always, the Terre de Vertus is vinified in neutral oak of various sizes. Bottled with no dosage. Disgorged: April, 2021." - 92 points, Antonio Galloni Vinous

Producer: Larmandier-Bernier

Country: France

Region: Champagne

Varietal: Chardonnay

Appellation: Champagne

Vintage: 2015

Size: 1.5L