Laherte Freres
Champagne Petit Meslier Extra Brut
| Denomination | AOC Champagne Extra Brut |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.5% by volume |
| Area | Champagne region (France) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Petit Meslier |
| Aging | Spontaneous fermentation in barrels with indigenous yeasts; ageing in wood. |
- Rare grape variety: 100% Petit Meslier, a single-varietal cuvée with a distinctive character
- Extra Brut style: 2 g/L dosage, dry and vibrant taste; 12.5% vol
- Traditional method: spontaneous fermentation in barrel with indigenous yeasts and ageing in wood
- Sensory profile: bright yellow colour, fine perlage; fruity and spicy notes, persistent finish
- Pairings: ideal with sushi, shellfish, fried fish and soft cheeses
Description
What kind of wine it is
The Champagne Petit Meslier Extra Brut by Laherte Freres is a pure and refined expression of the eponymous grape variety, Petit Meslier, crafted according to the Traditional Method. It stands out for its fresh and vibrant profile, enhanced by a fine and persistent perlage. The bright yellow colour introduces fruity aromas that blend with delicate spicy notes. On the palate, it reveals a pronounced acidity leading to a long and satisfying finish, ideal paired with shellfish, sushi, and soft cheeses.
Where it comes from
This cuvée originates in Chavot, in the Coteaux Sud of Épernay, at the heart of Champagne. The Petit Meslier vines sink their roots into clay and silt soils, resting on a deep layer of chalk. This geological composition gives the wine a distinct aromatic energy and a lively gustatory tension. The production philosophy of Laherte Freres favours a respectful approach, aimed at bringing out the authenticity and unique nuances of this specific micro-terroir.
How it is produced
Production follows the rules of the Traditional Method, starting with gentle pressing of the grapes. The must ferments spontaneously in barrels thanks to the action of indigenous yeasts. Ageing continues in wood with minimal intervention, to preserve the integrity of the Petit Meslier grape and the characteristics of the soil. After refermentation in the bottle, the minimal dosage chosen enhances the dry and streamlined character of the wine, ensuring a sip of profound territorial coherence.
History and Curiosities
A vibrant expression of a rare grape variety, this cuvée celebrates the Petit Meslier in purity cultivated on the hills of Chavot. The historic Laherte Frères maison, founded in 1889, adopts an artisanal approach aimed at enhancing this clay-silt terroir. Gentle pressing precedes spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts and refined ageing in wood. Thanks to the rigorous Extra Brut dosage of only 2 g/L, the wine releases an intense freshness and a unique aromatic energy, qualities rewarded with 94 points by Vinous, ensuring a memorable tasting experience.
Awards
-
91/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
90/100
The prestigious international wine guide from the renowned Robert Parker, the world's most experienced and trusted wine taster.
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94/100
Vinous is the online guide from Antonio Galloni, one of the world's leading wine connoisseurs.
Tasting notes
Perlage
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
06 - 08 °C
Longevity:
05 - 10 years
- Start up year: 1889
- Bottles produced: 70.000
- Hectares: 10
The Laherte brothers' vineyards extend over three typical Champagne locations: Épernay, Côte des Blancs, and Vallée de la Marne; a total of 10 historic crus. The cultivation philosophy involves absolute respect for traditions and a preference for natural methods in place of chemical products: use of plant compounds to increase the defensive capacity of the vines, non-invasive pruning that maintains developed foliage in height, organisation of work and treatments according to the most auspicious days. The production process involves separate vinifications for each Cru to make the most of micro-climatic variations, followed by a work of selection and combination of the wines produced to create a harmonious, elegant and fruity Champagne. Fermentation is slow and spontaneous; one or two racking takes place before bottling.
The Champagnes of the Laherte brothers are brilliantly clean, crisp and genuine wines, resulting from cultivation and production processes based on unconventional and sustainable systems. They are elegant and refined wines that evoke the flavour of the grapes and soils from which they originated. All the products in the range are of high quality and capable of impressing even the most discerning palates, where the bubbles explode, giving that wide variety of aromas and flavours that only the best Champagnes can provide. Read more
| Name | Laherte Freres Champagne Petit Meslier Extra Brut |
|---|---|
| Type | White classic method sparkling wine extra brut |
| Denomination | Champagne AOC |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Petit Meslier |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne region |
| Vendor | Laherte Freres |
| Story | History and Curiosities A vibrant expression of a rare grape variety, this cuvée celebrates the Petit Meslier in purity cultivated on the hills of Chavot. The historic Laherte Frères maison, founded in 1889, adopts an artisanal approach aimed at enhancing this clay-silt terroir. Gentle pressing precedes spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts and refined ageing in wood. Thanks to the rigorous Extra Brut dosage of only 2 g/L, the wine releases an intense freshness and a unique aromatic energy, qualities rewarded with 94 points by Vinous, ensuring a memorable tasting experience. |
| Origin | Chavot, mid-slope (Southern Hillsides of Épernay), Champagne |
| Soil composition | Rich, clayey and silty soils |
| Production technique | Traditional method |
| Wine making | Traditional method; immediate and gentle pressing; spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts in barrels; ageing in wood; minimal intervention approach with a very low dosage (around 2 g/L) and use of reserve wines. |
| Aging | Spontaneous fermentation in barrels with indigenous yeasts; ageing in wood. |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |