CHAMPAGNE GRAND CRU "VIEILLE VIGNE DU LEVANT" 2014 - LARMANDIER-BERNIER

Denomination : Champagne AOC

Vintage : 2013

Alcohol : 12.5%

Region : Champagne (France)

Format : 0.75 l

Grapes : Chardonnay 100%

The Chardonnays harvested from the old Levante vines here offer volume, richness and minerality with a very long finish, a sign of a great terroir...

The old Levante vines are exposed to the south-east and benefit from an exceptional terroir. They have 56 years and more than 80 years . The deep roots and diversity of the old vines contribute to the complexity of the wine. They are, like the entire vineyard, grown naturally to achieve perfect ripeness.

Since the creation of this vintage in 1988, it has been necessary to explain the difference between “Cramant” and “Crémant”. To avoid this confusion, the name changed: “ Vieille Vigne de Cramant ” became “ Vieille Vigne du Levant ” !

In fact, the location of this vintage is “Bourron du Levant”. The Levante means East, the land benefits from the first rays of the sun in the morning. At Cramant, the Levante is very different from the vineyards located on the other side of the hill, facing west. The eastern side of Cramant produces particularly rich and powerful grapes, it really does a magical place .

The grapes are delicately pressed and the must lightly deposited directly into the barrel. Natural alcoholic fermentation (indigenous yeasts) and malolactic fermentation occur spontaneously in Stockinger barrels and vats. The wines are aged there on natural lees for the first year without filtration or fining.

The draw takes place in July without confluences with other vintages - it is a vintage - and without confluences with other terroirs - it is a plot. The bottles are lowered into the cool cellars where the second fermentation and refinement on racks takes place for a further 7/8 years.

Each bottle is disgorged manually 6 months before marketing. The dosage is very discreet to better appreciate the balance and great persistence of this vintage (2g/l).

This champagne should be enjoyed alone as an aperitif, with poultry and morels; the richness of this vintage will pair well with creamy dishes. You have to take the time to let it open, then you will be able to appreciate its power, its complexity and its enormous length. Keep it for at least 2 years (it will gain depth) and much longer if you like it.