Larmandier-Bernier
Bernier Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Les Chemins d'Avize Extra Brut 2016
| Denomination | AOC Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.5% by volume |
| Area | Champagne region (France) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Chardonnay |
| Aging | Maturation on natural lees for almost a year with bâtonnage; then a second fermentation in the bottle in cool cellars and maturation on slats (on the lees in the cellar). |
- Vintage 2016: 0.75 L bottle, 12.5% vol, Blanc de Blancs made exclusively from Chardonnay
- Grand Cru Avize origin: Grapes sourced from the Côte des Blancs, organically cultivated
- Spontaneous fermentations: Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in wooden barrels and vats
- Ageing on the lees: Almost a year on the lees with bâtonnage, unfiltered
- Aroma and pairings: Notes of fruit and bread crust, ideal with fish and shellfish
Description
What kind of wine is it
The Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Les Chemins d’Avize Extra Brut is a refined Blanc de Blancs crafted by Larmandier-Bernier and made exclusively from Chardonnay. Produced according to the principles of the Traditional Method, it offers a dry and precise profile that fully enhances the very low dosage. On the nose, clear fruity aromas stand out, enriched by enveloping notes of bread crust imparted by the long ageing on the lees. The palate is taut and elegant, ideal for rigorously accompanying shellfish, seafood dishes and selections of mature cheeses.
Where does it come from
This Champagne originates in the prestigious Côte des Blancs, from vineyards cultivated in the commune of Avize. These plots, historically classified as Grand Cru, are managed according to the strict principles of organic farming. The rejection of herbicides and a deep respect for the environment safeguard the natural balance of the terroir. The meticulous agronomic work of Larmandier-Bernier aims to preserve the expressive purity of the fruit, translating the authentic and profound agricultural identity of the region into the glass.
How is it produced
Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations occur spontaneously through indigenous yeasts, taking place in wooden barrels and vats. The must then matures on its natural lees for almost a year, accompanied by periodic bâtonnage. The winery excludes fining and filtration to maintain the vitality and structure of the raw material. The process follows the rigour of the Traditional Method, with the second fermentation in bottle in cool cellars. This slow maturation on the lees shapes the dry Extra Brut profile, intertwining clear fruity fragrances and hints of baking.
History and Curiosities
The ambition to create an exclusive cuvée that celebrates the prestigious terroir of Avize comes to life in this superb 2016 Grand Cru Champagne. Thanks to the acquisition of a smaller press in 2009, Maison Larmandier-Bernier was able to vinify the grapes from two specific vineyards separately, enhancing the purity of a refined Blanc de Blancs. Aged on the lees and unfiltered, this elegant Extra Brut offers a sip with a beautifully dry finish, where vivid fruity aromas blend with fragrant notes of bread crust.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
06 - 08 °C
Longevity:
15 - 25 years
From the beginning of the 20th century, the Larmandiers made Champagnes which very quickly proved their fine qualities. Thus Jules Larmandier and then his son, Philippe Allyre, began to supply the great Parisian restaurants (la Tour d'Argent, Taillevent, Charlot Roi des Coquillages, …).
In 1971, Philippe Larmandier, the grandson of Jules, created with his wife, Elisabeth Bernier, who owned vineyards in Vertus, Larmandiers-Bernier Champagne. Upon the death of her husband in 1982, Elisabeth managed the family estate and developed the sales, particularly in Belgium and Switzerland. In 1988, Pierre, the son of Philippe and Elisabeth, who had just graduated from Nantes Business School, decided to return to the job "which flowed in his veins".
Pierre is striving to refine still further his work in the cellar in order to bring the grapes to the glass in the best possible way, by putting the originality of each terroir first.
In 2002, he bought about ten acres of vines in Vertus. Ten acres in Vertus is already exceptional, but what is perhaps unique in Champagne is the fact that these vines have never known any weed-killer, nor any processed household refuse. The soil is and always has been ploughed. The previous owner, who was taking retirement, knew that the vines would continue to be ploughed.
The estate was awarded one, and then two stars in the guide 'Classement des Meilleurs Vins de France'. Pierre Larmandier was selected by the 'Revue des Vins de France' as 'most promising figure for wine 2002' and 'winegrower of the year 2003' by Bernard Burtschy of GaultMillau. In 'The New France', Andrew Jefford considered that "few winegrowers in Champagne have such an impressive range of Champagnes". Read more
| Name | Larmandier Bernier Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Les Chemins d'Avize Extra Brut 2016 |
|---|---|
| Type | White organic classic method sparkling wine extra brut |
| Denomination | Champagne AOC |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 12.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Chardonnay |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne region |
| Vendor | Larmandier-Bernier |
| Story | History and Curiosities The ambition to create an exclusive cuvée that celebrates the prestigious terroir of Avize comes to life in this superb 2016 Grand Cru Champagne. Thanks to the acquisition of a smaller press in 2009, Maison Larmandier-Bernier was able to vinify the grapes from two specific vineyards separately, enhancing the purity of a refined Blanc de Blancs. Aged on the lees and unfiltered, this elegant Extra Brut offers a sip with a beautifully dry finish, where vivid fruity aromas blend with fragrant notes of bread crust. |
| Origin | Avize (Côte des Blancs, Champagne, Francia) |
| Production technique | Traditional method (secondary fermentation in bottle) |
| Wine making | Natural alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation begin spontaneously in wooden barrels and vats. The wines are left on their natural lees for almost a year and undergo bâtonnage, without filtration or clarification. |
| Aging | Maturation on natural lees for almost a year with bâtonnage; then a second fermentation in the bottle in cool cellars and maturation on slats (on the lees in the cellar). |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |