Larmandier-BernierChampagne, France

Larmandier-Bernier is a distinguished winery nestled in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, a renowned sub-region of Champagne, France. Esteemed for crafting exquisite grower Champagnes, this family-run domaine is situated in the charming village of Vertus, an area celebrated for its exceptional Chardonnay vines. The Larmandier and Bernier families, both with deep roots in the Champagne region dating back to the French Revolution, united through marriage in the 20th century, merging their vineyard holdings and winemaking heritage to form Larmandier-Bernier.

The winery's history is a testament to its enduring dedication to expressing the unique terroir of the Côte des Blancs. Since the late 20th century, under the visionary guidance of Pierre Larmandier and his wife Sophie, Larmandier-Bernier has been at the forefront of the movement towards biodynamic viticulture in Champagne. They recognized early on the importance of respecting the land and fostering biodiversity to produce Champagnes that truly reflect the essence of their origins.

"Pierre and Sophie Larmandier excel with statuesque, vinous Champagnes built on breadth, texture and an expression of place. Old vines, maniacal attention to farming, vinification in oak, and low dosage yields Champagnes of tremendous textural depth. The NV Champagnes include a fair amount of reserve wines which enhances their complexity." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous

Terroir and style of Larmandier-Bernier:

The terroir of Larmandier-Bernier is distinguished by its chalky soil, a key component in defining the mineral character of its wines. The Côte des Blancs, facing east to southeast, benefits from optimal sunlight, ensuring full ripeness of Chardonnay, which is the primary varietal used in Larmandier-Bernier's cuvées. Their vineyards, spread across several Grand Cru and Premier Cru villages, are farmed with rigorous adherence to organic and biodynamic principles, eschewing chemicals in favor of natural remedies and preparations. This deep connection to the land encourages the vines to root deeply into the chalky bedrock, drawing out the nuanced complexities of the terroir.

In terms of wine style, Larmandier-Bernier is celebrated for its pure, expressive, and elegantly structured Champagnes. The house style emphasizes clarity, precision, and vibrancy, focusing on the expression of Chardonnay's brightness and mineral undertones. Fermentation is primarily conducted in neutral oak barrels and foudres, which adds depth and complexity without overshadowing the wine's intrinsic character. The use of low dosages in the final product ensures that the purity and balance of the wine remain front and center, providing a fresh, crisp finish.

Larmandier-Bernier, the pioneer in the Grower Champagne movement

As a pioneering grower Champagne house, Larmandier-Bernier has been instrumental in shaping the perception and appreciation of terroir-driven Champagnes. Grower Champagnes, produced by the same estate that owns the vineyards, offer a unique opportunity for vignerons to showcase their specific plots of land, differing from the larger Champagne houses that blend grapes from across the region for consistency. Larmandier-Bernier's commitment to highlighting the distinct personality of their vineyards has positioned them as leading figures in this movement, gaining respect and admiration from critics and enthusiasts alike for their authentic and compelling Champagnes.

Larmandier-Bernier's contributions extend beyond their exceptional wines; they are advocates for sustainability and environmental stewardship in the Champagne region. By showcasing the potential of meticulous, eco-conscious farming and vinification practices, they inspire both peers and consumers to think differently about what Champagne can be. Through their dedication to quality, authenticity, and sustainability, Larmandier-Bernier continues to set the bar for excellence in grower Champagne, making them a true treasure of the Champagne region.

Wines produced by Larmandier-Bernier:

Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 'Latitude'
Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Extra Brut 'Longitude'
Rosé de Saignée Extra Brut
Terre de Vertus Premier Cru Brut Nature
Cramant Grand Cru 'Les Chemins d’Avize'
'Les Vignes de Cramant' Grand Cru Extra Brut
'Les Chemins d’Avize' Grand Cru Extra Brut
'Vieille Vigne du Levant' Grand Cru Extra Brut
Cuvée d’Assemblage