Terre de Vertus Premier Cru 2015

A pure and frank expression of Vertus on a well-oriented, mid-slope plot. Very original thanks to its salinity and complexity…

This plot of Chardonnay has been vinified separately since 1995. It’s a parcel named “Les Barillers”, situated mid-slope in Vertus. This terroir is very particular: delicate, saline and, at the same time, very complex. The balance is already present, so no need for any blending.

Grapes Variety

100% Chardonnay, a single terroir and a single vintage

VINIFICATION AND MATURATION

The grapes are pressed gently, the juices are clarified very slightly and then go directly into wood. The natural alcoholic fermentation (indigenous yeasts) and the malolactic fermentation begin spontaneously in the Stockinger casks and vats. The wines are matured on the natural lees during their first year, with no filtering or fining being carried out.

The tirage takes place at the end of July and there is no blending with other years – this is a vintage Champagne – or with other terroirs – this is a single-parcel cuvée.

The bottles are taken down into the coolness of the cellars and stacked on lattes, the second fermentation takes place and maturation goes on for at least 5 more years. Each bottle is disgorged by hand 6 months before being marketed.

This wine is 0% dosage (no sugar added) so as to respect, throughout, its purity.

TASTING NOTES

A wine full of tension and minerality. An ideal Champagne to start a meal with; its purity makes it a delicate accompaniment for oysters. A very fine match with truffles. May be drunk now or laid down for 5 to 10 years.

PRESS REVIEW

Winesearcher.com 11/10/2017 – THE WORLD’S BEST VALUE CHAMPAGNE – Natalie Sellers

« Nestled in Vertus, Champagne Larmandier-Bernier produces both grand cru and premier cru Côte des Blancs wines. With a winemaking history going back to the French Revolution, the Larmandier family have been instrumental in helping make the Côte de Blancs what it is today. The Terre de Vertus is 100 percent Chardonnay sourced from two vineyard plots. Prizing natural winemaking above all else, the Terre de Vertus undergoes a natural alcoholic fermentation and true to their philosophy, no additional sugar is used. So if you’re after naturally classy bubbles at an unbeatable price, look no further – with an average price of $55 with 91 points, this is surely a winner. »