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Larmandier-Bernier, Champagne Les Chemins d'Avize Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut GC, 2016

$199.99

PREORDER - ARRIVES LATE NOVEMBER 2024

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Larmandier-Bernier’s Champagne “Les Chemins d’Avize” Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut Grand Cru 2016 is a remarkable single-vintage, single-vineyard expression from the esteemed Grand Cru village of Avize in the Côte des Blancs. Crafted from 100% Chardonnay, this cuvée reflects the distinct terroir of Avize’s chalky slopes, with grapes sourced from old vines that yield concentrated and mineral-rich fruit. Vinified and aged in oak casks, “Les Chemins d’Avize” showcases the Larmandier-Bernier commitment to biodynamic practices and meticulous craftsmanship. The Extra Brut dosage highlights the wine’s pure expression, focusing on depth and texture.

On the nose, “Les Chemins d’Avize” opens with elegant aromas of citrus peel, green apple, and white flowers, interwoven with nuances of almond, chalk, and a touch of toasted brioche. The palate is precise and layered, featuring flavors of lemon zest, ripe pear, and a distinctive mineral core, supported by a fine, creamy mousse. The Extra Brut style brings a clean, refreshing finish, emphasizing the wine’s chalky minerality and a lingering, saline quality that speaks to its terroir.

Perfect for pairing with refined dishes like lobster, oysters, or creamy risottos, this Champagne shines with both structure and finesse. The 2016 vintage lends a concentrated yet fresh character, making “Les Chemins d’Avize” an exceptional choice for collectors and Champagne enthusiasts alike, with potential for aging and further complexity over time.

More about this wine

Grapes | 100% Chardonnay

Vineyards | Sourced from two vineyards in Avize, Chemin de Plivot and Chemin de Flavigny, which previously contributed to the Longitude cuvée. Pierre & Sophie purchased a small press in 2009 to vinify their Avize terroirs separately. This is the third parcellaire Champagne to be added to the Larmandier-Bernier lineup. Farmed biodynamically.

Vinification | Natural yeast fermentation in barriques and foudres; sur lie until end of June; unfined & unfiltered; 6 years sur lattes; 2 gr/l dosage

Disgorgement: September 2023


The story of the Larmandier-Bernier estate goes back centuries, but things only really got interesting after the late 1980s, when Pierre Larmandier took over. He immediately moved towards sustainable (and eventually, biodynamic) viticulture and indigenous fermentation, putting this estate well ahead of the current set of like-minded grower-producers.

Now Larmandier-Bernier is, according writer Peter Liem, "one of the finest producers in the Côte des Blancs", garnering rave reviews not just from Liem but other top critics like Vinous' Antonio Galloni.

The wines are unified stylistically, with chalky cores and delicate, lifted citrus and floral notes that seem drawn in pastel. But there are also strong differences, a testament to the distinct personalities within the Côtes des Blancs.

Champagne

Champagne boasts some of the world’s greatest luxury brands with Krug, Cristal and, of course, Dom Perignon. But it’s also home to hundreds of small dynamic producers—farmers who grow their own grapes (often organically) and make (often with natural methods) tiny amounts of pure and absolutely delicious wine that reflect the individual personalities of their villages and terroirs. Toast with these wines, for sure. But also treat them like the great wines they are: taste, drink, explore!

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