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Laherte Freres, Champagne Petit Meslier Extra Brut [base 2020], NV

$149.99

PREORDER - ARRIVES LATE NOVEMBER 2024

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Laherte Frères’ Champagne Petit Meslier Extra Brut NV, with a 2020 base, is a unique and rare expression dedicated to the nearly forgotten Petit Meslier grape. Known for its dedication to preserving Champagne’s viticultural heritage, Laherte Frères cultivates this traditional variety in the Coteaux Sud d’Épernay, where it benefits from the region’s cool climate and chalky soils. Crafted with minimal intervention and in the Extra Brut style, this cuvée captures the distinct character of Petit Meslier, with a focus on freshness, acidity, and vibrant minerality.

On the nose, this Champagne opens with aromas of green apple, citrus zest, and fresh herbs, accompanied by floral nuances and a subtle touch of chalk. The palate is lively and textured, showcasing flavors of tart citrus, underripe pear, and a hint of white pepper, supported by a fine, persistent mousse. The Extra Brut finish enhances its dry, mineral-driven profile, leaving a refreshing, crisp impression that reflects the unique acidity and structure of Petit Meslier.

An excellent pairing for seafood, goat cheese, or light vegetarian dishes, this Champagne is a delightful choice for those seeking something off the beaten path. The 2020 base vintage adds a youthful energy to the wine, making Laherte Frères’ Petit Meslier an intriguing and expressive option that pays homage to Champagne’s rich, diverse grape heritage.

More about this wine

Grapes | 100% Petit Meslier

Vineyards | Originating from the co-plantation of all seven indigenous varieties planted in 2003 behind the winery in Chavot. Over the years, Petit Meslier has emerged as a late ripening variety that holds its acidity, so Aurélien chose to plant more vines. It’s the climate change grape!

Vinification | Grapes are picked by hand when fully ripe, and traditionally pressed. Spontaneous fermentation in 228L barrels with regular stirring of the lees; malolactic fermentation; aged 6 months. No filtration; 2 gr/L dosage.

Disgorgement: November 2023

Aurélien Laherte believes Champagne should be for everyone. We agree.

Along with childhood best friend and fellow rising star, Raphaël Bérèche, they formed Terre de Vins, a down to earth trade organization. They bring together like-minded growers for a yearly tasting of vin clair (still wine, pre-bubbles) and finished Champagne to showcase their progressive wines.

Aurélien makes wines of power and whimsy, decadence and tension. Maybe it is because of his biodynamic approach, maybe it was his training with Antoine Sélosse or maybe he is simply one of the best vignerons in Champagne. No matter the reason, take advantage of this newsletter only pricing to experience it for yourself.

All of his wines are aged in neutral barrels, do not go through malolactic fermentation and have just enough dosage to balance the wine and showcase the terroir.

Seventh generation winegrower Aurélien Laherte is part of a dynamic, young generation making waves in Champagne and producing a fine array of terroir-driven Champagnes using a natural approach to viticulture and winemaking. Since taking the helm of his family’s estate in 2005, Aurelien has been a devoted practitioner of organic and biodynamic viticulture, striving to produce a lineup of blended and single-vineyard Champagnes that deeply expresses the identities of his unique terroirs. The vibrant, energetic and racy profile of Laherte Frères Champagnes has earned Aurélien a reputations as a rising star in the region.

Professional Reviews

Antonio Galloni

AG 92
"The NV Extra Brut Petit Meslier is another new wine in this ever-expanding range. With its naturally bright acids, its no surprise the Petit Meslier is lifted and vibrant in feel. Citrus, white pepper, mint and chalk add a characteristic upper register of nuance. This really sizzles with tension and energy to match its airy personality. The blend is equal parts 2018 and 2017." -Vinous

Robert Parker

RP 90
"Based on the 2018 vintage, with some 40% reserve wines from 2017, the NV Extra-Brut Petit Meslier comes from young vines in Chavot. Offering up generous aromas of pear, honeyed orchard fruit, buttered toast and nuts, it's medium to full-bodied, with an impressively satiny attack for this variety and an unsurprisingly racy spine of acidity. It's more than just a curio."

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!

Customer Reviews

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