The Champagne Laherte Frères 1er Cru Nature de Craie NV (Base 2021, Disgorged May 2023) is a beautifully focused and mineral-driven Blanc de Blancs from one of the Marne Valley’s leading biodynamic grower estates. Produced entirely from Chardonnay grown on chalk-rich soils in the Premier Cru village of Vertus, the wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts and bottled with no dosage, emphasising purity, saline tension and terroir expression. The nose reveals lemon zest, green apple and white peach layered alongside white flowers, brioche and crushed chalk notes, giving the wine remarkable freshness and precision.
On the palate, it is light to medium-bodied with exceptionally fine mousse, vibrant natural acidity and a tightly wound mineral core. Layers of citrus, orchard fruit and delicate lees complexity are balanced by saline freshness and chalky tension, finishing bone dry, linear and beautifully persistent with outstanding detail and finesse. The cooler 2021 base vintage contributes additional precision and energy, reinforcing the wine’s refined and terroir-driven style.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The Champagne Laherte Frères 1er Cru Nature de Craie NV is a superb grower Blanc de Blancs — mineral, saline and beautifully detailed with exceptional freshness and chalky precision. Perfect with oysters, sashimi, scallops, goat’s cheese or delicate seafood dishes. Enjoy now or cellar comfortably through 2038+.
