Tasting Notes
Disgorged June 2019. This Blanc de Blancs was historically labelled as Vieille Vigne de Cramant. Nothing else has changed save for the name, which is now inspired by the vineyard where the majority of grapes are sourced, Bourron du Levant. The vines here were planted in 1960 and the balance comes from a 0.5-hectare holding in the neighbouring terroir of Le Fond du Bâteau (75-year-old vines). Both plots are located in the heart of Cramant on the east-facing flanks of the Butte de Saran. The soils here have more clay than either the Terre de Vertus and the Chemin’s Avize vineyards, so there is automatically considerably more power. These vines also bask in the first rays of the morning sun, which combined with the low yields, helps to deliver a wine of glowing density and opulence. The winemaking across each of Larmandier’s single-terroir wines is similar—natural fermentation and malo, 12 months in Stockinger cask and no fining or filtration. This cuvée however, spent eight years on lees, and was disgorged with only two grams dosage. A superb, layered and textural VV du Levant with orange rind, citrus pith and nutty complexity. Silky, yet with a long and racy close. Gorgeous indeed! Try it with veal, pan-fried fish, chicken and so on. - Rob Walters
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.
| Product Type | Wine Sparkling Champagne |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| Sub Region | Vertus |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |