Larmandier-Bernier Champagne

Larmandier-Bernier Champagne

History of the Champagne House Larmandier-Bernier

The Larmandier-Bernier champagne house was founded in 1956 in Vertusone of the most renowned wine-growing communities in the Champagnefounded in the year 2000. However, the history of the house is deeply rooted in the past, with roots dating back to the 19th century. The Larmandier family can look back on a long tradition of winegrowing, dating back to the time of the French Revolution. As early as the 19th century, the family acquired its first vineyards on the Côte des Blancs, a region known worldwide for its outstanding Chardonnay grapes.

In the 1970s, the Larmandier and Bernier families merged through the marriage of Philippe Larmandier and Elisabeth Bernier. This led to the creation of Larmandier-Bernier, which from then on was run as an independent family business. From the outset, Philippe and Elisabeth focussed on quality and authenticity and concentrated on growing their own grapes rather than buying them from other winegrowers. This philosophy of self-sufficiency and biodynamic cultivation has stood the test of time and characterises the identity of the estate to this day.

The terroir and the vineyards

Larmandier-Bernier Champagne today owns around 18 hectares of vineyards, which are mainly located on the Côte des Blancs, particularly in the Grand Cru sites of Cramant, Avize, Oger and Chouilly as well as in the Premier Cru sites of Vertus. This region is famous for its chalky soils, which give the Chardonnay grapes an unrivalled minerality and freshness. The vineyards are cultivated according to biodynamic principles, which means that no chemical fertilisers or pesticides are used. Instead, the winery relies on natural methods to promote soil fertility and vine vitality.

The vineyards are cultivated with great care and respect for nature. Old vines, low yields and manual harvesting at optimum ripening time are fundamental principles. These measures ensure that only the best grapes are used for wine production. Biodynamic cultivation produces grapes that authentically reflect the terroir and form the basis for outstanding champagnes.

Ageing in the cellar

Larmandier-Bernier Champagne is vinified in temperature-controlled steel tanks and small oak barrels, in which the grape lots are matured separately. Fermentation is carried out with natural yeasts that occur on the grapes from the respective terroir. This contributes to the complexity and authenticity of the wines. After the first fermentation, the wines undergo malolactic fermentation, which gives them additional creaminess and fullness.

A special focus is placed on the ageing of the wines. Depending on the quality, the champagnes are aged on the lees for at least three to eight years before they are disgorged. This long maturation gives the wines exceptional depth and complexity. The dosage, i.e. the addition of sugar after the second fermentation, is generally very low in order to preserve the natural freshness and minerality of the wines. In the case of Terre de Vertus, no dosage is added at all, resulting in a particularly pure and precise expression of the terroir.

The most famous Larmandier-Bernier Champagne: Vieille Vigne de Cramant

Larmandier-Bernier Champagne's best-known champagne is the Vieille Vigne de Cramant. This exceptional Blanc de Blancs champagne is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes from old vines in the Cramant Grand Cru vineyard. The vines used for this champagne are more than 50 years old and give the wine an impressive depth and complexity.

The Vieille Vigne de Cramant is characterised by its freshness, creaminess and aromatic density. On the nose, it has notes of white flowers, citrus fruits and fine minerality. On the palate, it impresses with a wonderful balance between fruitiness and floral notes, emphasised by a lively acidity and a long, elegant finish. This champagne is only produced in the best vintages and is a true masterpiece of Larmandier-Bernier Champagne.

Current information on the vineyards and the headquarters

The Larmandier-Bernier champagne house is based in Vertus, a charming commune in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. The address of the winery is 19 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 51130 Vertus, France. From here, the family business is run with great passion and dedication.

The company's current vineyards cover around 18 hectares, which are distributed as follows:

• Grand Cru sites: Cramant, Avize, Oger and Chouilly
• Premier Cru sites: Vertus

These vineyards are the heart of the winery and are cultivated with the utmost care. The biodynamic care of the vines and the avoidance of chemical additives reflect the estate's commitment to sustainable viticulture and the highest quality.

International recognition and awards

Larmandier-Bernier Champagne has earned an outstanding reputation for the uncompromising quality and authenticity of its wines. The winery has received several international awards and has been highly praised in renowned wine guides and magazines. Some of the most important awards and accolades include

• "Classement des Meilleurs Vins de France 2000"
• Two stars in Michel Bettane's "Revue du Vin de France" guide (a distinction awarded to only around ten establishments)
• Four stars in the Gault Millau Guide 2004

These awards confirm the outstanding quality and commitment of Larmandier-Bernier to excellent champagne. The house's wines are recognised worldwide and are considered the benchmark for biodynamically produced champagnes.

Conclusion

Larmandier-Bernier Champagne is an outstanding example of an independent family business characterised by its passion for viticulture and dedication to quality. The combination of traditional methods, biodynamic cultivation and state-of-the-art cellar technology makes it possible to produce champagnes of exceptional finesse and complexity. The Vieille Vigne de Cramant is a shining example of the house's philosophy and shows how unique and impressive champagne from old vines and outstanding terroirs can be.

With its long history, carefully tended vineyards and pursuit of excellence, Larmandier-Bernier Champagne is a true jewel of Champagne and a must for any lover of high-quality sparkling wines. The future of this traditional house looks promising and we can look forward to seeing what masterpieces Philippe and Elisabeth Larmandier and the next generation of the family will produce.