Champagne Larmandier-Bernier 1er Cru Terre de Vertus Blanc de Blancs 2014 (Disg. Sep 2021) (1500ml)

Magnum. Disgorged September 2021. Terre de Vertus is one of three single-terroir Blanc de Blancs produced at this estate, and certainly the most famous. It is from a parcel of vines situated on the chalky mid-slope of Vertus, traversing the 1er Cru lieux dits of Les Barillers and Les Faucherets. These sites produce intensely mineral wines; wines that can recall the best of Le Mesnil (to the north) in their chalky raciness and drive.

This was fermented naturally with roughly 60% fermented and aged in neutral barrique and the other 40% in large wooden Stockinger casks. Malolactic fermentation began spontaneously (without inoculation), and the wines were left on their natural lees for nearly a year. After the second fermentation the wine aged on cork for another six years before being disgorged. There is no dosage addition at disgorgement to respect the purity of the terroir. The result is one of the most distinctive and mineral wines of the entire Champagne region, and one of the benchmark wines of the great grower movement.

Since the mid 90’s, this wine has always been non-dosé long before it was fashionable. The Larmandiers made the decision because this particular terroir (when farmed in their way: old vines, biodynamics, low yields, etc.) works best without any additions.

The 2014 is a superb Terre de Vertus, very classic in style. You can expect a wonderfully fine, savoury dry white that offers complex hints of bosc pear, fresh salt, earth, preserved lemon, and chalk. It’s ultra-fine and pure and although it is terrific now (don’t be scared to decant!), you will be amply rewarded if you can rest it for three to six years on cork. Try it with oysters, terrine, hard cheeses, roast chicken or grilled white fish.