Larmandier-Bernier is a small grower estate with eighteen biodynamically farmed hectares in Grand Cru & Premier Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs. Both the Larmandier and Bernier families have had a long history in the Champagne region, dating back to the French revolution, but it was not until the marriage of Philippe Larmandier and Elisabeth Bernier in 1971 that Champagne Larmandier-Bernier was officially established.
The small house today is directed by Pierre and Sophie Larmandier, who took over the direction of the family estate in 1988. In 1992, Pierre began to convert the vineyards over to organic and then to full-blown biodynamic viticulture in 1999.
This natural method gives birth to champagnes that are fully faithful to the soil, and authentic champagnes. The House produces champagne which are mainly characterized by their low level – or not at all - of sugar, and their intense taste, together with powerful savors.
The Larmandiers utilize only indigenous yeasts, separate vinification for each cru, and little to no dosage for an unadulterated expression of terroir in their wines. The wines are vinified in a large, old, wood foudres or smaller Burgundian barrels, depending on each cru and each vintage with an extraordinary long aging time on the lies.
Reserve wines are kept in stainless steel tanks or enamel-lined tanks (a perpetual reserve started in 2004). Blending is generally done in July following harvest, and it is at this time that the Larmandiers decide whether or not their single-vineyard bottlings will be produced.
The estate vineyards of Larmandier-Bernier are located in the villages of Cramant, Chouilly, Oger, and Avize (all Grand Crus) as well as Vertus (Premier Cru). Most of the vineyards are planted to Chardonnay, with about 15% Pinot Noir. The average age of the vines is 35 years, with the oldest vines (50-70 years) found in Cramant.
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