Larmandier-Bernier Longitude Blanc De Blancs Extra Brut 1er Cru Larmandier Bernier

Larmandier-Bernier Longitude Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 1er Cru is a precise, mineral-driven Champagne crafted entirely from Chardonnay grown on some of the Côte des Blancs’ finest Premier Cru sites. Named “Longitude” after the 4th meridian that runs through its vineyards, this cuvée is all about verticality, tension and chalky elegance. It’s a refined, terroir-focused Champagne that speaks more of its soils than of winemaking artifice.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Longitude shows a luminous pale straw color with silvery highlights and a fine, persistent mousse. The nose is pure and detailed, opening with lemon zest, green apple and white flowers, followed by notes of chalk, oyster shell, fresh almond and a hint of brioche from extended lees aging. On the palate, this is taut and linear, with a crystalline acidity that frames flavors of citrus, crisp pear, green plum and delicate stone fruit. The hallmark of the wine is its strong saline, chalky minerality, giving a long, precise and mouthwatering finish. The Extra Brut dosage keeps the wine dry and focused, emphasizing finesse over richness. Enjoy it now for its energy and tension, or cellar it for 5–8 years to allow more brioche, hazelnut and honeyed complexity to emerge while the texture broadens.

Production
Longitude is sourced exclusively from Chardonnay vines planted on chalk-rich Premier Cru slopes of the Côte des Blancs in Champagne, notably around Vertus, Oger, Avize and Cramant, all aligned along the same “longitude.” The estate farms these vineyards organically with strong biodynamic influences, favoring low yields, mature grapes and meticulous hand-harvesting to bring only perfectly ripe bunches to the press. Fermentations typically take place with native yeasts in a mix of stainless steel and large oak, followed by long aging on the lees to build texture and complexity. The wine is bottled for secondary fermentation in the traditional method and rests for an extended period on its lees before disgorgement, finished with a very low Extra Brut dosage to let the chalky terroir speak clearly.

Food & Serving
This Champagne is a natural partner for elegant, mineral-driven dishes such as oysters, scallops carpaccio, sashimi, grilled langoustines and simply prepared white fish. It also pairs beautifully with goat’s cheese, fresh cheeses, caviar, sushi, tempura and light vegetable dishes such as asparagus or fennel salad. Serve well-chilled but not icy, ideally around 8–10°C (46–50°F), to allow the aromas and texture to fully express themselves. A brief 10–15 minutes in the glass or a quick splash into a small carafe can help the wine open up, though extended decanting is not necessary.

Producer
Larmandier-Bernier is a revered grower-producer estate based in Vertus in the Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France. The family has cultivated vines in the region since the 19th century, but the modern reputation of the domaine was shaped by Pierre and Sophie Larmandier, who pushed a clear vision of terroir-driven, low-intervention Champagne. Farming is certified organic with strong biodynamic practices, and the focus is largely on Chardonnay from Premier Cru and Grand Cru sites. The estate is widely regarded as one of the benchmarks of grower Champagne, regularly praised by critics and sommeliers for its purity, precision and the way each cuvée transparently reflects its origin.