The Champagne Larmandier-Bernier 1er Cru Terre de Vertus Blanc de Blancs 2017 (Disgorged September 2023) is a beautifully precise and intensely chalk-driven grower Champagne from one of the Côte des Blancs’ leading biodynamic estates. Produced entirely from Chardonnay grown in a single old-vine parcel in Vertus and bottled with no dosage, the wine reflects Pierre Larmandier’s terroir-focused philosophy, emphasising mineral purity, tension and vineyard transparency over richness or oak influence. The nose reveals preserved lemon, green apple and white peach layered alongside white flowers, brioche and crushed chalk minerality, giving the wine remarkable freshness and detail.
On the palate, it is light to medium-bodied with exceptionally fine mousse, vibrant natural acidity and a tightly coiled mineral core. Layers of citrus peel, orchard fruit and savoury lees complexity are balanced by saline freshness and intense chalky tension, finishing bone dry, focused and beautifully persistent with outstanding precision and ageing potential. The warm but balanced 2017 vintage contributes subtle textural richness while retaining the wine’s hallmark linearity and freshness.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The Champagne Larmandier-Bernier 1er Cru Terre de Vertus Blanc de Blancs 2017 is a superb terroir-driven Champagne — mineral, saline and beautifully refined with exceptional chalky detail and finesse. Perfect with oysters, sashimi, scallops, lobster or delicate seafood dishes. Enjoy now with decanting or cellar gracefully through 2042+.
