Since 8 generations the Larmandier family has been cultivating vines in the heart of the region of Côte des Blancs in Champagne, France. The sparkling wine that I tasted is the Larmandier-Bernier Longitude Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs, non-vintage (nr 91313 Systembolaget) which has a both crisp orchard fruitiness, brioche with fabulous mineral finish.
The appellation of Champagne is situated in the north-eastern part of France, just south of the 50th parallel, with a cool continental climate. This makes it more vulnerable to problems like fungal disease, meaning that organic viticulture can be more difficult. However, already in 1992 Pierre Larmandier abandoned herbicides, and since 1999 Biodynamic viticulture is used on the entire estate as well as indigenous yeasts for the fermentations.
“Longitude” is made of 100 % Chardonnay, and gets its name from the fact that the Chardonnay grapes are grown on the Côte des Blancs: Vertus, Oger, Avize, Cramant, which form a line close to the 4th meridian. This non-vintage cuvée also contains 40% of wines coming from the perpetual reserve of reserve wines, begun in 2004. This adds fantastic complexity to the palate, with notes of citrus, pastry cream, crisp plum fruit, nuts and freshly baked bread. It has a long salty mineral finish, and the dosage is only 3 g/l giving a pure freshness and the label of ”extra brut”. It has a vibrant acidity and the mousse is exquisitely long-lasting.
The base wines are matured in wood and on the natural lees, with no filtering – adding texture and complexity. Then the blending and tirage takes place, according to the traditional method of producing sparkling wine. This means that the second fermentation takes place in the bottles, which are resting in the cool cellars for at least two more years. Then each bottle is disgorged by hand.
For me this is a pure and terroir-driven Champagne, ready to really enjoy now but it could also be kept for some years to show more nutty and nougat flavors. I truly enjoy this Champagne, which is perfect to serve as it is or with cheese, salads, seafood, fish and lighter meat dishes! It gets 95 points!