Larmandier-Bernier Longitude Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs

Champagne Larmandier-Bernier is one of the true stars of the Côte des Blancs. Both the Larmandier and Bernier families have had an extensive history in the 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 established. The small house today is directed by Pierre and Sophie Larmandier, along with their son Arthur, and own just under eighteen hectares in some of the finest villages on the Côte des Blancs: Cramant, Chouilly, Oger and Avize (all Grand Crus), as well as in the fine premier cru village of Vertus where they hang their hats. 

Longitude Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 1er Cru NV - This non-vintage cuvee known as Longitude replaces the wine previously referred to as Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 1er Cru. The name references the fact that the vineyards form a line close to the 4th meridian. Longitude is also an allusion to the length and the very pure, frank and mineral style of these great terroirs, where the chalk is very close to the surface. The base wine makes up approximately 60% of the blend and is fermented in a combination of large, old oak foudres and neutral Burgundian barrels. The remaining 40%  is reserve wine from a perpetual reserve started in 2004 and kept in stainless steel tanks after the first year in oak.