2013 Larmandier-Bernier Vieilles Vignes du Levant Grand Cru Extra Brut Champagne, France
$174.99
VARIETALS :Chardonnay
BIODYNAMIC: Certified
VINEYARD: Located in the Grand Cru of Cramant, these Chardonnay vines are 50-70+ years in age and are (uniquely) located on the east-facing side of the Cramant hill. “Levant” references the sun rising (lever) in the east.
SOIL: Chalk and limestone
VITICULTURE:The vineyards are farmed biodynamically and all grapes are hand harvested
VINIFICATION: Fermented using natural yeasts in a combination of 60% used barriques and 40% used foudres and left on the lees during the winter. Bottled unfined and unflitered, dosage is 2 grams/liter.
AGING: Kept in the cool cellars between 36-48 months, hand disgorged and aged an additional 6 months prior to release. Disgorged by hand
First created in the 1988 vintage, the Vieilles Vignes de Levant Extra Brut is a vintage cuvee produced from the oldest Grand Cru vines in the village of Cramant- ranging from fifty to eighty year-old vines. Like the Terre de Vertus, it is a single vintage cuvée fermented in oak, rather than stainless steel, though in this case, it is a combination of large foudres and smaller Burgundy barrels that are used. The wine receives a very low dosage of two grams per liter prior to release.
Specs
- Country France
- Region Champagne
- Appellation Côte des Blancs
- Style Sparkling Wine, Champagne Method
- Producer Larmandier-Bernier
- Farming Practices Organic, Biodynamic
- Grapes Chardonnay
- Food Pairings Stinky Cheese, Roast White Meats, Braised Things, Fresh Seafood, White Sauce, Fried Food
- Characteristics Icon, Grower Champagne, Champagne Method, Has Age, Dressed to Impress, Big Power