Larmandier-Bernier : Les Chemins d'Avize Grand Cru Extra Brut 2015

The finesse and complexity of a Grand Cru Extra Brut vintage champagne

The estate

The Larmandier-Bernier Champagne house has cultivated vines for eight generations. Since 1988, Pierre Larmandier has been at the head of the 18-hectare family estate. His ambition is to produce exceptional vintages that authentically express the purity and richness of prestigious Grands Crus such as Cramant, Avize and Oger, and the Premier Cru of Vertus.

The vineyard

Located on the Côte des Blancs, iconic Champagne terroir, the estate’s vineyards, with 35-year-old vines on average, have been worked for more than 20 years on biodynamic practices with total respect for the terroir. The choice to eliminate chemical products and to practice ploughing, use indigenous yeasts and carry out long ageing on lees in casks and wooden barrels confers to Larmandier-Bernier wines a rare and unique minerality and expression of terroir.

The wine

The Les Chemins d’Avize collection from Larmandier-Bernier completes the range of single-vineyard champagnes created by Pierre and his wife Sophie. This collection itself completes the Vieille Vigne de Cramant range, begun in 1988, the Terre de Vertus range, created in 1995 and the Rosé de Saignée range, created in 1999. In 2009, Pierre and Sophie Larmandier acquired a small winepress. They separated off two plots in the heart of the village of Avize, in the hamlets of Chemin du Plivot and Chemin de Flavigny. This special cuvée embodies the unique Avize terroir and the on average 50-year-old chardonnay vines.

Winemaking and ageing

After the grapes were delicately pressed, the juice was settled before being funneled off. The alcoholic fermentation was carried out using indigenous yeasts. Malolactic fermentation took place in casks and barrels. Ageing of one year on lees was finished with ageing on slats for five years. Manual disgorging took place six months before going on the market. The dosage for this Extra Brut champagne is 2g/l.

Blend

Chardonnay (100%)

Characteristics and tasting tips for Les Chemins d'Avize Grand Cru Extra Brut 2015 from Larmandier-Bernier

Tasting

Rich and crystal-clear, this champagne entices with its delicate effervescence, its freshness and its lively and lingering finish.

Food and wine pairing

This Grand Cru Extra Brut goes marvellously with a delicately roasted lobster.