Laherte Freres Champagne Ultradition Extra Brut

Laherte Frères Champagne Ultradition Extra Brut is a vibrant, terroir-driven Champagne that showcases the house’s signature finesse and energy. Crafted from a classic blend of Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero), it offers both immediate pleasure and real depth for the curious Champagne drinker. This non-vintage cuvée is built from a careful mix of base wines and reserve wines, reflecting Laherte Frères’ thoughtful, artisan approach that has made them a reference point among grower Champagnes.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Ultradition Extra Brut shows a luminous pale gold color, laced with a fine, persistent bead of bubbles that signals both precision and freshness. The nose opens with crisp orchard fruits—green apple, pear, and a touch of quince—layered with citrus zest, white flowers, and hints of toasted brioche and almond from time on the lees. Subtle notes of chalk and wet stone underline its Champagne origins. On the palate, this is taut, dry, and beautifully balanced. Pinot Meunier brings juicy fruit and charm, Chardonnay adds tension and a chalky backbone, while Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero) contributes gentle structure and a touch of red-fruited complexity. Expect flavors of lemon curd, crunchy apple, stone fruit, and a delicate nutty, brioche-like undertone, all carried by a vibrant, saline finish. As an Extra Brut, the low dosage keeps the wine lifted and precise. Enjoy it now for its energy and purity; with a few years in the cellar, it will gain additional complexity and a creamier texture while preserving its freshness.

Production
Laherte Frères farms primarily in the Côteaux Sud d’Épernay and the Vallée de la Marne, where clay-limestone and chalky soils give naturally fresh, mineral wines. The grapes for Ultradition are harvested by hand at optimal ripeness to preserve both fruit character and acidity. In the cellar, the must is gently pressed and vinified parcel by parcel, often with indigenous yeasts, in a mix of stainless steel and neutral oak to build complexity without overt oak flavor. A portion of reserve wines from previous vintages is incorporated to add depth and consistency. After the second fermentation in bottle, the Champagne rests for an extended period on its lees before disgorgement, with a low Extra Brut dosage to highlight the purity of the fruit and the expression of terroir.

Food & Serving
Ultradition Extra Brut is a highly versatile Champagne that shines both as an aperitif and at the table. Pair it with oysters, scallop crudo, sushi, and sashimi to echo its mineral edge, or serve alongside light starters such as goat cheese salad, smoked salmon, or delicate tempura. It also works beautifully with roast chicken, creamy risottos, and soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert. Serve well chilled, ideally at 8–10°C (46–50°F). A brief 10–15 minutes in a larger glass or a gentle, short decant in a chilled carafe can help the aromas open up, especially if you’re serving it with food.

Producer
Founded in 1889, Laherte Frères is a family-run grower estate that has become one of the most respected names among Champagne’s artisanal producers. Based in Chavot in the Côteaux Sud d’Épernay, the domaine is known for its meticulous vineyard work, often following organic or biodynamic principles, and for crafting wines that speak clearly of their origin. Over successive generations, Laherte Frères has built a reputation for precise, characterful Champagnes that favor terroir expression over big-house uniformity. Their cuvées, including Ultradition, are frequently praised by sommeliers and Champagne enthusiasts for their combination of elegance, complexity, and authenticity.