Larmandier-Bernier Champagne
History of the Champagne House Larmandier-Bernier
The Champagne house Larmandier-Bernier was founded in 1956 in Vertus, one of the most respected wine-growing villages in Champagne. The history of the house, however, runs much deeper, with roots reaching back to the 19th century. The Larmandier family can look back on a long tradition of growing vines that goes back as far as the French Revolution. In 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 came together through the marriage of Philippe Larmandier and Elisabeth Bernier. This led to the founding of Larmandier-Bernier, which from then on was run as an independent family business. From the very beginning Philippe and Elisabeth focused on quality and authenticity, growing their own grapes rather than buying them in from other growers. This philosophy of self-sufficiency and biodynamic farming has stood the test of time and still shapes the identity of the house today.
The Terroir and the Vineyards
Larmandier-Bernier champagne today owns around 18 hectares of vineyards, mainly on the Côte des Blancs, in particular in the grand cru sites of Cramant, Avize, Oger and Chouilly, as well as the premier cru sites of Vertus. This region is famous for its chalk soils, which give the Chardonnay grapes incomparable minerality and freshness. The vineyards are farmed according to biodynamic principles, which means that no chemical fertilisers or pesticides are used. Instead, the estate relies on natural methods to promote soil fertility and the vitality of the vines.
FermentationThe vineyards are tended with great care and respect for nature. Old vines, low yields and hand harvesting at the optimal moment of ripeness are fundamental principles. These measures ensure that only the best grapes go into the wine. Biodynamic farming produces grapes that reflect the terroir authentically and form the basis for outstanding champagnes.
Winemaking in the Cellar
Vinification at Larmandier-Bernier champagne takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and small oak barrels, in which the parcels of grapes are vinified separately. Fermentation is carried out with natural yeasts found on the grapes from each terroir. This contributes to the complexity and authenticity of the wines. After the first fermentation the wines go through malolactic fermentation, which gives them additional creaminess and richness.
A particular focus lies on the ageing of the wines. Depending on quality, the champagnes spend at least three to eight years on the lees before disgorgement. This long ageing gives the wines exceptional depth and complexity. The dosage, that is the addition of sugar after the second fermentation, is generally very low in order to preserve the natural freshness and minerality of the wines. With Terre de Vertus there is no dosage at all, which leads to a particularly pure and precise expression of the terroir.
The history of the house, however, runs much deeper, with roots reaching back to the 19th century.
The Most Famous Larmandier-Bernier Champagne: Vieille Vigne de Cramant
The best-known champagne of the house of Larmandier-Bernier is the Vieille Vigne de Cramant. This exceptional blanc de blancs is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes from old vines in the grand cru village of Cramant. The vines used for this champagne are more than 50 years old and give the wine impressive depth and complexity.
The Vieille Vigne de Cramant is distinguished by its freshness, creaminess and aromatic density. On the nose it shows notes of white blossom, citrus fruit and fine minerality. On the palate it impresses with a wonderful balance between fruit and floral notes, underlined by lively acidity and a long, elegant finish. This champagne is only made in the best vintages and is a true masterpiece of the house of Larmandier-Bernier.
Current Information on the Vineyard Holdings and the Address
The Champagne house Larmandier-Bernier is based in Vertus, a charming village in the heart of the Côte des Blancs. The address of the estate is 19 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 51130 Vertus, France. From here the family business is run with great passion and dedication.
The house's current vineyard holdings cover around 18 hectares, divided as follows:
- Grand cru sites: Cramant, Avize, Oger and Chouilly
- Premier cru sites: Vertus
These vineyards are the heart of the estate and are farmed with the greatest care. The biodynamic care of the vines and the refusal to use chemical additives reflect the house's commitment to sustainable viticulture and the highest quality.
Hautvillers Champagne, Orte und ReisenInternational Recognition and Awards
Larmandier-Bernier champagne has earned an outstanding reputation through its uncompromising quality and the authenticity of its wines. The estate has won several international awards and has been highly praised in leading wine guides and magazines. Some of the most important awards and recognitions are:
- "Classement des Meilleurs Vins de France 2000"
- Two stars in the guide "Revue du Vin de France" by Michel Bettane (a distinction that only about ten producers have received)
- Four stars in the Gault Millau guide 2004
These awards confirm the outstanding quality of Larmandier-Bernier and its commitment to excellent champagne. The house's wines are prized around the world and are regarded as a benchmark for biodynamically produced champagne.
Conclusion
Larmandier-Bernier champagne is an outstanding example of an independent family business marked by its passion for viticulture and its dedication to quality. The combination of traditional methods, biodynamic farming and state-of-the-art cellar technology makes it possible to produce champagne 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 every lover of fine sparkling wine. The future of this traditional house looks promising, and we can look forward to the masterpieces that Philippe and Elisabeth Larmandier, together with the next generation of the family, will still bring forth.
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