"Small in the big league"
Founded in 1971 by Philippe Larmandier and his wife Elisabeth Bernier, Maison Larmandier-Bernier is today run by their son, Pierre, who is committed to offering the purest expression of this great terroir through natural viticulture.
What is the history of Maison Larmandier-Bernier?
Since their establishment in Champagne, passion and know-how have always been passed down from generation to generation within both the Larmandier and Bernier families. From the 20th century onwards, Jules Larmandier produced Champagnes with remarkable taste qualities, and it wasn't long before many top Parisian restaurants were interested in them. Larmandier Champagnes were soon being served at Tour d'Argent, Taillevant and Charlot roi des coquillages.
The House took the name Larmandier-Bernier in 1971, following the marriage of Philippe Larmandier, Jules' grandson, to Elisabeth Bernier, a vineyard owner in Vertus. In 1988, their son Pierre decided to join the family business, in order to practise the trade that is so close to his heart. Accompanied by his wife Sophie, the couple are constantly improving the quality of their farming practices, having converted their vineyard to biodynamic viticulture as early as 1999. As part of this approach, only indigenous yeasts are used in winemaking. Ahead of its time, Maison Larmandier-Bernier has always produced exceptional wines, with precision and patience. Their son Arthur joined them in 2017.
What is the terroir of Maison Larmandier-Bernier?
House Larmandier-Bernier watches over a vineyard of almost 18 hectares spread over the finest terroirs of the Côte des blancs: the communes of Vertus classified as Premier Cru and those of Cramant, Chouilly, Oger and Avize, classified as Grands Crus. The soils are composed of chalk, the real keystone of these terroirs, and the grape varieties include 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir.
Pierre and Sophie cultivate their vines biodynamically, trusting nature, in an environmentally friendly way and without any chemicals.
The emblematic cuvées of Maison Larmandier-Bernier
The Champagnes of Maison Larmandier-Bernier are complex, fine and finely chiseled in purity.
Longitude cuvée Premier Cru is a Champagne Extra-Brut composed of 100% Chardonnay. Fleshy, lively and beautifully fresh, it offers sumptuous notes of fruit Secs and citrus fruits as well as white flowers, ideal for delighting the taste buds as an aperitif.
Terres de Vertus Premier Cru Millésimé 2016 is a Champagne of great purity, complex and creamy in texture. In particular, it offers an iodized finish, making it a perfect match for seafood dishes.
It's hard not to succumb to their Blanc de noirs 2015 Grand Cru, particularly vinous, on the fruit and with superb freshness. Aged in barrels and foudres on lees for several months, this is a rich Champagne, ideal for white meats or fish in sauce.
