Larmandier-Bernier

Larmandier-Bernier is a distinguished winery located in the Côte des Blancs, a prestigious area within the Champagne region in France, known for its exceptional Chardonnay vineyards. As a family-owned and operated estate, Larmandier-Bernier has established a reputation for producing exquisite biodynamic Champagnes that reflect the terroir's unique characteristics and the family's dedication to quality and sustainability.

**History and Heritage:**
The roots of Larmandier-Bernier can be traced back to the 19th century, with the union of two families deeply entrenched in the Champagne region's viticulture. The Larmandiers are one of the great names in the vineyards of the Côte des Blancs, especially renowned since the end of the 18th century for the quality of their wines. In the late 20th century, Philippe Larmandier and Elisabeth Bernier combined their heritages and knowledge to form Larmandier-Bernier, forging a legacy that honors both families' winemaking traditions.

**Philosophy and Practices:**
Larmandier-Bernier is committed to organic and biodynamic viticulture. They adopted these practices long before they gained the widespread popularity they have today, convinced that the best way to express the nuances of their terroirs is by nurturing the vineyards with the utmost respect for the environment. The estate abstains from using synthetic herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers. Instead, they rely on natural preparations and compost to encourage healthy vine growth and maintain soil vitality.

The winery is guided by the belief that great wine starts in the vineyard. The focus is on letting the land speak through the grapes and ultimately the wine. This is achieved by meticulous vineyard management, low yields, and careful harvesting by hand, which ensures that only the finest grapes are selected.

**The Vines and Terroir:**
Larmandier-Bernier's vineyards stretch across several Grand Cru and Premier Cru villages, including Cramant, Chouilly, Oger, and Vertus. The chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs allow the Chardonnay grape to achieve its fullest expression, resulting in wines with remarkable finesse, minerality, and aging potential. The vineyard sites are predominantly south-facing, which ensures ample sunlight and aids in the ripening process.

**Wine Production:**
The winemaking process is characterized by a gentle touch and minimal intervention. This includes the use of indigenous yeasts for fermentation and a long, slow maturation process. The cellar work is as natural as possible, with a preference for long lees aging in a combination of stainless steel and large oak casks known as foudres, to add complexity without overshadowing the wine's intrinsic character.

Larmandier-Bernier's portfolio boasts a range of Champagnes, from the pure and vibrant non-vintage 'Longitude' – a Blanc de Blancs that is a linear and precise reflection of their predominantly Chardonnay vineyards – to the vintage 'Terre de Vertus,' a single-vineyard, non-dosage Champagne that showcases the purity and intensity of the terroir.

**Reputation and Recognition:**
Larmandier-Bernier is highly regarded among Champagne connoisseurs and critics, lauded for its commitment to authenticity, quality, and environmental responsibility. The winery consistently receives praise for its elegant, nuanced, and terroir-driven Champagnes that are both a pleasure to drink and a testament to the Larmandier family's passion and hard work.

Larmandier-Bernier represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship in Champagne production, offering connoisseurs around the world a taste of luxury that is both rooted in tradition and leading the way in sustainable viticulture.