Collection: Larmandier Bernier

Pierre Larmandier and his wife Sophie meticulously manage this estate. Pierre inherited the family's Côte des Blancs vineyards in 1988, and since 1992, he has transitioned to herbicide-free, organic, and now biodynamic farming—a rarity in Champagne, where only 2% of vineyards are certified organic. The estate spans 18 hectares, mainly in Vertus at the southern tip of Côte des Blancs, with holdings in Cramant, Chouilly, Oger, and Avize. Notably, many vine parcels are 50 to 70 years old, resulting in low yields, averaging 50 hl/ha.

In the winery, they embrace a classic "minimalist" approach, using indigenous yeasts, extended fermentations lasting up to two months, and minimal sulfur. They employ various fermentation and aging vessels, including large oak vats and amphorae. Dosage levels are kept very low to maintain neutrality, and in some cases, like the Terre de Vertus, no dosage is added. In essence, their focus is on showcasing the vineyard, the village, and the vintage to the fullest. The resulting wines reflect their origins superbly, offering finesse, vinosity, and a captivating mineral intensity that entices you to return to the glass sip after sip. - Peter L

Like Egly-Ouriet and Selosse, Larmandier-Bernier has been rated as one of Champagne's top 5 producers by Andrew Jefford in his celebrated work, The New France, [Mitchell Beazley]. This estate is meticulously run by Pierre Larmandier and his wife Sophie. Pierre's family have owned vineyards in the Côte des Blancs since the Revolution. The estate is now 15 hectares, predominantly in Vertus, at the Southern tip of the Côte des Blancs, yet there are also holdings in Cramant, Chouilly, Oger & Avize. The vineyards are biodynamically worked (almost unheard of in Champagne) and the average age of the vines is 35 years (most Champagne vineyards are considered 'old' and due for replanting at 25 years). Yields are kept very low by Champagne standards, 50 hl/ha on average.

In the winery the approach is classic "minimalist" with indigenous yeasts, long, slow ferments of up to two months and very little sulphur. A mixture of fermenting vessels are utilised including large oak vats and even barriques. Very low dosage levels too and the dosage is designed to be as neutral as possible. Sometimes, as is the case in the "Terre de Vertus" there is no dosage at all. In other words, everything is designed to maximise the expression of the vineyard, commune and vintage. The resulting wines are wonderful expressions of their origins, fine and delicate, yet with and a mineral intensity that keeps you coming back, sip after sip. Peter Liem (champagneguide.net) has written: "Larmandier-Bernier is one of the finest estates in the Côte des Blancs, producing wines of unusual detail and clarity of expression. The style is for champagnes that are dry, minerally and terroir-driven, emphasizing purity and finesse over richness or sheer power."Such purity and minerality could only come from the man that Laurent d'Harcourt, MD of Pol Roger, recently dubbed "The Ayatollah of quality" and his impeccably tended vineyards. - Importer Note