Larmandier-Bernier Champagne - "Latitude" Extra Brut Blanc De Blancs 1er Cru NV
Price: $69.99
Producer | Larmandier-Bernier Champagne |
Country | France |
Region | Champagne |
Subregion | Cote de Blancs |
Varietal | Chardonnay |
Sku | 17693 |
In the past, this cuvée was known as “Tradition”, a name chosen in the 1970’s by Pierre’s parents. The name “Latitude” was chosen to characterize better this very round cuvée, with its rich, charming style. It is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes which all come from the same “latitude”: the south of Vertus. A generous terroir and grapes picked fully ripe: the Latitude cuvée is the festive Champagne par excellence, which nonetheless retains the characteristic purity of the estate’s Champagnes.
This non-vintage cuvée contains 40% of wines coming from the estate’s perpetual reserve started in 2004. The grapes are pressed gently, the juices are clarified very slightly and then go directly into wood. The natural alcoholic fermentation (indigenous yeasts) and the malolactic fermentation begin spontaneously in the Stockinger casks and vats. The wines are matured on the lees during their first year, with no filtering or fining being carried out. The blending and the tirage are carried out in July. The bottles are taken down into the coolness of the cellars and stacked on lattes, the second fermentation takes place and maturation goes on for at least two more years. Each bottle is disgorged by hand 6 months before being marketed.
Vinous: 94 Points
"The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Latitude ler Cru is bright, punchy and full of mineral-driven intensity. Crushed flowers, lemon peel, sage, mint and crushed rocks build as this potent, intensely saline Champagne opens in the glass. This is impressive. As always, the Latitude is a Champagne built on textural breadth and volume, typical of wines from the southern sector of Vertus. This release is based on 2019 and 40% a perpetual reserve that goes back to 2004. Dosage is 3 grams per liter. Disgorged: February, 2022." —AG
Decanter Magazine: 94 Points
James Suckling: 93 Points
"This Blanc de Blancs Champagne is anything but flashy and it might take a moment switch onto its wavelength. However, it has excellent depth and finely etched contours on the medium-bodied palate, the Amalfi-lemon character building as it aerates in the glass. Beautiful balance at the very long, rather rich but very dry finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold."
Wine Enthusiast: 92 Points
Wine Spectator: 92 Points
"A tangy overtone of pink grapefruit peel rides the fine mousse in this creamy Champagne. It's layered with a subtle mesh of apricot, lemon thyme and minerally brine and chalk notes. Well-cut and harmonious. Drink now through 2025."