Larmandier-Bernier
History and Background
Champagne Larmandier-Bernier, situated in the Côte des Blancs region of Champagne, France, was founded in the early 20th century. The estate is known for its exceptional grower champagnes, which reflect the unique terroir of the region. Larmandier-Bernier's commitment to quality and biodynamic viticulture has earned it a prestigious reputation among Champagne producers.
Vineyards and Terroir
Larmandier-Bernier's vineyards are located in the Champagne region, specifically in the Côte des Blancs, covering approximately 15 hectares:
- Soil Composition: The soils are predominantly chalky, providing excellent drainage and a unique mineral quality that is reflected in the finesse and complex mineral profile of the wines.
- Grape Varieties: The estate primarily grows Chardonnay, producing primarily blanc de blancs Champagne that reflects the pure, expressive character of the vineyards’ terroir. Their focus on minimal intervention in both viticulture and winemaking further amplifies the natural characteristics derived from their unique terroir.
The vineyards are also notable for organic and biodynamic practices, with a commitment to sustainability that ensures the health of the vineyard ecosystem and enriches the distinctiveness of their wines.
Wine Style and Production
- Key Characteristics: Larmandier-Bernier is renowned for producing Champagnes that are vivid and highly expressive of their terroir. These wines are characterized by a pristine freshness and vibrant, refined acidity. They typically exhibit rich aromas and flavors such as citrus, white flowers, green apple, and brioche. The wines are noted for their purity, fine bubbles, and an elegant mineral character which is a clear expression of the chalky soils in which their vines grow.
- Winemaking Philosophy: Larmandier-Bernier practices a minimalist, terroir-focused approach in both the vineyard and the winery. The estate is committed to organic and biodynamic farming practices, aiming to produce wines that authentically reflect the nuances of their vineyards. Fermentation is mainly done with indigenous yeasts, and the wine's contact with lees during aging is prolonged to enhance complexity and mouthfeel, while intervention in the winemaking process is kept to a minimum to preserve the natural character of the wines.
- Influence on Style and Quality: The rigorous selection in the vineyard, coupled with their sensitive approach to viticulture and vinification, significantly influences the style and quality of their Champagnes. The careful attention to maintaining healthy soils through biodynamic practices enhances the vitality and balance of the vines, which is reflected in the vibrant quality of the grapes. The preference for older oak and minimal dosage in the finishing of the wines allows for a more nuanced expression of the base wines and contributes to a unique style that balances intensity with elegance, depth, and longevity.
Reputation
Larmandier-Bernier is a prominent French champagne producer highly respected in the world of wine, particularly noted for its commitment to biodynamic viticulture and its involvement in the grower Champagne movement. Established in the Vertus region, a prime location in the Côte des Blancs, this family-owned estate has built a reputation for producing exquisite champagnes that express the unique terroir of their vineyards.
A defining aspect of Larmandier-Bernier's reputation is their dedication to organic and biodynamic farming practices. They transitioned to biodynamics in the late 1990s, a method that not only abstains from synthetic herbicides and pesticides, but also incorporates principles that emphasize balance with the natural environment, including aligning agricultural activities with lunar cycles and using naturally occurring compounds for vine health. This meticulous attention to sustainable viticulture is often reflected in the purity and expressiveness of their champagnes.
Moreover, Larmandier-Bernier champions low-intervention winemaking methods. They typically utilize indigenous yeasts for fermentation, a process that can be riskier but preserves the unique characteristics of the grapes. Minimal dosage (addition of a sugar solution) post-fermentation is another hallmark of their style, which enhances the clarity and terroir-driven complexity of their wines.
Specializing predominantly in Chardonnay, Larmandier-Bernier produces champagnes that are richly textured yet maintain a crisp, vibrant acidity. Their portfolio includes several notable cuvées, such as "Latitude", "Longitude", and the vintage "Terre de Vertus", each offering a different expression of their winemaking philosophy and the distinctiveness of their vineyard sites.
In summary, the prestige of Larmandier-Bernier is anchored in their unwavering commitment to biodynamic practices, their focus on low-intervention methods, and their ability to showcase the varietal purity of Chardonnay through minimalistic winemaking. These factors not only distinguish them within the Champagne region but also resonate with a global audience increasingly attuned to sustainable and expressive wines.
Final Thoughts
Larmandier-Bernier is a distinguished Champagne producer highly regarded for its dedication to biodynamic practices and for crafting terroir-driven wines that vividly express the nuances of their specific vineyard sites. Situated in the Côte des Blancs, they specialize in Chardonnay, bringing out the varietal's purity and elegance with meticulous attention to detail. What sets Larmandier-Bernier apart is not only their commitment to low-intervention winemaking but also their innovative approach, including minimal use of dosage and extended lees aging to enhance complexity and texture. Their Champagnes consistently receive acclaim for their precise balance, clarity, and expressive character, placing them among the elite in a region renowned for high-quality sparkling wines. This winemaker’s forward-thinking, environmentally conscious methods, aligned with exceptional quality, have established them as a leading light in both the Champagne region and among enthusiasts of fine, sustainably produced wines globally.