Champagne Larmandier-Bernier 1er Cru Terre de Vertus Blanc de Blancs 1.5L MAGNUM 2015 Disg. May 23

Champagne Larmandier-Bernier Terre de Vertus is a non-dosé single-terroir blanc de blancs from biodynamically farmed vines on the mid-slope of Vertus, here in magnum.

Vertus sits at the southern end of the Côte des Blancs, and this cuvée comes from chalky mid-slope vines running across the premier cru lieux-dits of Les Barillers and Les Faucherets, sites that give a chalky raciness closer to Le Mesnil than to the fleshier wines usually associated with the village. The estate farms biodynamically with old vines and low yields, and the wine has been made without dosage since the mid-1990s, long before that became fashionable, on the family's view that this terroir works best without additions. Fermentation is spontaneous, with roughly 60 per cent in neutral barrique and 40 per cent in large Stockinger casks; malolactic conversion begins of its own accord and the wine rests on its lees for close to a year before the second fermentation, then spends a further six years in bottle before disgorgement.

Still young and best given a few more years, though it drinks well now from magnum. Serve at around 8°C with oysters, grilled crayfish or a plate of jamon.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.