Since the 18th century, the Larmandier family has been growing grapes in Champagne, on the Côte de Blancs to be precise. However, in the past the grapes were sold. The fact that they now produce Champagne is logical, since they own parcels in the best Grand Cru sites, such as the top sites of Cramant and Avize.
In 1988, Sophie and Pierre Larmandier took over the small, exclusive winery and gave it a special kind of makeover. First, all chemical sprays were banned from the vineyards, then they were converted to biodynamic cultivation, of course certified. Contrary to official belief, the wines are fermented with natural yeasts and not with pure-bred yeasts, which already gives the base wines a special, very complex character.
The two live the idea of the vintner's Champagne like few others, because all their grapes come from their own 16 hectares of vineyards and nothing is bought in addition. More control over quality is impossible. 85 percent Chardonnay determines the grape variety, the rest is Pinot Noir. The base wines are aged in large wooden barrels, and no fining or filtration is used to ensure the natural expression of the wines.
The Champagne is allowed to develop in the bottle for longer than elsewhere, with the two prestige cuvées from the "Avize" and "Levant" Grand Cru sites lasting 7 to 8 years or even longer.
With this outstanding quality of the base wines, dosage can be largely dispensed with, and the Champagnes are all in the range of Brut nature or Extra Brut. And the Rosé Extra Brut with a small addition of Pinot Gris is unique in its kind.
The Champagnes from Larmandier-Bernier are among the best and most original on the Côte des Blancs and have already been awarded the honorary title of "Collection of the Year" by the Wine Advocate.
