Larmandier-Bernier Champagne - Extra Brut 1er Cru LONGITUDE NV Champagne Blanc de Blancs MAGNUM 1.5L (12.5% abv)

Champagne Larmandier-Bernier is one of the true stars of the Côte des Blancs. Both the Larmandier and Bernier families have had an extensive history in the region, dating back to the French revolution, but it was not until the marriage of Philippe Larmandier and Elisabeth Bernier in 1971 that Champagne Larmandier-Bernier was established. The small house today is directed by Pierre and Sophie Larmandier, along with their son Arthur, and own just under eighteen hectares in some of the finest villages on the Côte des Blancs: Cramant, Chouilly, Oger and Avize (all Grand Crus), as well as in the fine premier cru village of Vertus

we loved this complex, toasty, expressive blanc de blancs at the Friends & Family opening for "With Others" a few weeks back (go check it out, the area's cutest new curated wine bar).

This cuvee known as Longitude references the fact that the vineyards form a line close to the 4th meridian. Longitude is also an allusion to the length and the very pure, frank and mineral style of these great terroirs, where the chalk is very close to the surface

sourced from 1 Premier Cru and 3 Grand Cru sites (Vertus Premier Cru and Grand Cru: Cramant, Avize and Oger). Soil is chalk and limestone. 

70 % from 2018; 30% reserve wines (dating back to 2004)

4g dosage

93 pts Wine Advocate, 92 pts Wine and spirits, 94 pts Vinous

 sizzles with tension and energy, persistent bead, crushed oyster shell, ocean spray salinity, lemon rind, yellow apples, dried white flowers, hazelnut, concentrated and captivating, medium to fuller bodied, chalky finish

region: Champagne, France

varietal: Chardonnay

style: bubbly (Traditional method)

farming/cellar: certified biodynamic, hand picked, vinified in a combination of stainless steel, large barrels and barrique; sur lie in the winter

pairing: fried foods, oysters, cheese board