Larmandier-Bernier 1er Cru Longitude Blanc de Blancs NV | 95 Points Vinous

ONE OF CHAMPAGNE'S GREAT BLANC DE BLANCS! EXTRAORDINARY CHARDONNAY FROM FOUR LEGENDARY CÔTE DES BLANCS VILLAGES!

95 Points Vinous | 93 Points The Wine Front

Larmandier-Bernier Longitude Premier Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs NV – Champagne, France

RRP $235 per bottle

 If you love beautifully precise, mineral-driven Chardonnay and the extraordinary complexity of great grower Champagne, this is a wine you absolutely need to discover.

Larmandier-Bernier Longitude is one of the most compelling non-vintage Blanc de Blancs Champagnes produced by this internationally celebrated estate.

Made entirely from Chardonnay grown in four exceptional Côte des Blancs villages, this is a Champagne of extraordinary purity, freshness and mineral precision.

Vertus. Oger. Avize. Cramant.

Four remarkable Chardonnay terroirs.

One extraordinary Champagne.

The wine takes its name from the geographical alignment of these villages, which sit close to the fourth meridian.

But the name also reflects the personality of the Champagne itself.

Long. Linear. Mineral. Precise.

This is Chardonnay with beautiful tension and remarkable elegance.

A Champagne that celebrates chalky soils, carefully cultivated vineyards and the extraordinary skill of one of France's greatest independent growers.

Think lemon zest, crisp green apple, fresh pear, white flowers, toasted almonds and subtle pastry complexity.

There is beautiful texture and concentration, but the defining characteristic is freshness.

The finish is long, saline and wonderfully precise.

At $235 a bottle, Longitude is a serious expression of grower Champagne for enthusiasts who appreciate the extraordinary character of great Chardonnay.

Larmandier-Bernier – One of Champagne's Greatest Independent Growers

Larmandier-Bernier is one of the most respected names in modern grower Champagne.

Based in Vertus, at the southern end of the Côte des Blancs, the family estate has developed an extraordinary reputation for producing wines of exceptional purity, mineral complexity and vineyard expression.

Pierre and Sophie Larmandier were pioneers of biodynamic viticulture in Champagne, adopting these principles in 1999.

Their philosophy places the vineyard at the centre of everything.

Healthy soils.

Naturally balanced vines.

Exceptional fruit.

And thoughtful winemaking that allows the character of each terroir to emerge.

Rather than producing Champagnes designed around a uniform house style, Larmandier-Bernier celebrates the individuality of its vineyards.

And Longitude is a particularly fascinating expression of that philosophy.

Four Extraordinary Chardonnay Villages

One of the most compelling aspects of Longitude is its vineyard origin.

The Chardonnay comes from four celebrated villages in the Côte des Blancs.

Vertus – Premier Cru

The home of Larmandier-Bernier, producing Chardonnay with beautiful texture, freshness and mineral character.

Oger – Grand Cru

A celebrated Chardonnay village capable of producing wines with generosity, depth and distinctive chalk-driven structure.

Avize – Grand Cru

One of Champagne's legendary Chardonnay terroirs, renowned for extraordinary mineral precision, elegance and ageing potential.

Cramant – Grand Cru

Famous for Chardonnay with beautiful finesse, texture and remarkable aromatic complexity.

These villages form a line close to the fourth meridian.

And that geographical connection provides the inspiration for the name Longitude.

The result is a magnificent expression of Côte des Blancs Chardonnay, combining the character of several exceptional vineyard sites.

Chalk – The Secret Behind Longitude's Extraordinary Precision

The Côte des Blancs is one of the world's greatest Chardonnay-growing regions.

And chalk is fundamental to its identity.

The finest vineyards often have relatively thin topsoils, with chalk lying close to the surface.

These conditions can produce Chardonnay with remarkable freshness, precision and mineral character.

Longitude is deliberately sourced from vineyards where the chalk influence is particularly pronounced.

This gives the Champagne its distinctive personality.

There is beautiful citrus freshness.

Delicate floral perfume.

A fine, elegant texture.

And a long, saline finish.

This is the kind of Champagne that makes serious Chardonnay enthusiasts fall in love with the Côte des Blancs.

The Extraordinary Perpetual Reserve – A Wine with Decades of History

One of the most fascinating features of Longitude is the use of Larmandier-Bernier's perpetual reserve.

The estate established this reserve in 2004.

Each year, a portion of mature reserve wine is incorporated into the blend, bringing additional complexity and continuity.

The current estate specification includes approximately 40% perpetual reserve wine.

This is particularly important.

While the current harvest provides freshness, energy and fruit character, the reserve wines contribute additional depth, texture and complexity.

The result is a Champagne that combines youthful precision with the richness and integration associated with mature Chardonnay.

This is one of the reasons Longitude is such a compelling non-vintage Champagne.

It offers far more than simply the character of a single harvest.

It reflects the accumulated knowledge and winemaking history of the estate.

Indigenous Fermentation and Traditional Oak Maturation

Larmandier-Bernier approaches winemaking with extraordinary sensitivity.

The Chardonnay is gently pressed before the juice undergoes natural fermentation using indigenous yeasts.

Fermentation takes place in wooden casks and large Stockinger foudres.

Malolactic fermentation is allowed to occur naturally.

The wines then mature on their lees for approximately one year.

There is no fining or filtration.

The final blend is bottled for secondary fermentation, followed by at least two further years of maturation in the estate's cellars.

This traditional approach develops texture, depth and complexity while preserving the remarkable purity of the fruit.

The finished Champagne is disgorged by hand.

This is careful, thoughtful winemaking designed to showcase the extraordinary character of Chardonnay.

Extra Brut – Just 2 Grams per Litre Dosage

Longitude is finished with an exceptionally restrained dosage.

Just 2 grams per litre in the producer's current specification.

This places it firmly in the Extra Brut category.

The low dosage allows the wine's natural acidity and mineral character to remain beautifully defined.

But Longitude is not simply about sharpness or austerity.

The reserve wines and traditional oak maturation contribute texture and complexity.

The result is a captivating combination.

Beautifully dry.

Wonderfully fresh.

Elegant and mineral.

But also generously textured and deeply satisfying.

This is Champagne that combines precision with genuine sophistication.

Lemon Zest, Green Apple, White Flowers and Extraordinary Chalky Minerality

Longitude is a magnificent expression of Chardonnay.

The aromatic profile brings together beautifully defined citrus and orchard fruit.

Think lemon zest.

Fresh lime.

Crisp green apple.

Ripe pear.

And delicate white flowers.

There is also an intriguing savoury dimension.

Fresh pastry.

Toasted almonds.

Subtle spice.

And beautifully integrated mineral complexity.

On the palate, the Champagne is wonderfully precise.

Fine bubbles provide elegance, while the natural acidity creates remarkable energy.

The reserve wines contribute texture and depth.

But the defining feature is the finish.

Long.

Saline.

Chalky.

And exceptionally refreshing.

This is a Champagne that deserves time in the glass to reveal its extraordinary complexity.

An Extraordinary Introduction to the Great Terroirs of the Côte des Blancs

One of the most exciting aspects of Longitude is how beautifully it introduces the character of the Côte des Blancs.

Larmandier-Bernier produces several exceptional vineyard-specific Champagnes.

Terre de Vertus expresses the extraordinary mineral precision of Premier Cru Vertus.

Les Chemins d'Avize celebrates the remarkable chalk terroir of Grand Cru Avize.

Vieille Vigne du Levant reveals the richness and concentration of old-vine Grand Cru Cramant.

Longitude offers something different.

A carefully assembled expression of four extraordinary Chardonnay villages.

It brings together the freshness, complexity and mineral character that make this region one of the world's greatest places to grow Chardonnay.

For serious Champagne enthusiasts, it is a fascinating wine in its own right.

And for customers discovering Larmandier-Bernier for the first time, it is an exceptional introduction to the estate's philosophy.

A Magnificent Champagne for Seafood

Longitude is one of those Champagnes that belongs at the dinner table.

Its combination of citrus freshness, mineral precision and beautifully integrated texture makes it a magnificent partner for seafood.

Think freshly shucked oysters.

Seared scallops.

Crab.

Lobster.

Kingfish sashimi.

And beautifully prepared white fish.

The wine's savoury complexity also makes it an excellent match for roast chicken, delicate mushroom dishes and aged Comté.

For something particularly memorable, serve it with freshly shucked oysters or scallops in a delicate butter sauce.

This is a Champagne that deserves to be enjoyed with exceptional food rather than simply opened for a toast.

Why We Love This Champagne at Liquid Vibe

At Liquid Vibe, we have an enormous appreciation for the extraordinary Champagnes produced by France's finest independent growers.

And Larmandier-Bernier is one of the producers that demonstrates exactly why these wines deserve so much attention.

First, there is the estate.

Larmandier-Bernier – one of Champagne's most respected growers.

Then there are the vineyards.

Vertus, Oger, Avize and Cramant – four remarkable Chardonnay villages.

Then there is the philosophy.

Biodynamic viticulture, indigenous fermentation and thoughtful traditional winemaking.

Then there is the reserve.

A perpetual reserve established in 2004, contributing extraordinary depth and complexity.

And finally, there is the finished Champagne.

100% CHARDONNAY. PREMIER CRU. EXTRA BRUT. JUST 2 GRAMS PER LITRE DOSAGE.

At $235 per bottle, this is a serious Champagne for serious wine enthusiasts.

But its pedigree, exceptional winemaking and extraordinary mineral precision make it a compelling choice for anyone who loves great Chardonnay.

If you love beautifully dry Champagne, the finest grower producers or wines with genuine vineyard character, Longitude is a bottle you absolutely need to experience.

FOUR GREAT CHARDONNAY VILLAGES. BIODYNAMIC VITICULTURE. PERPETUAL RESERVE SINCE 2004. EXTRA BRUT PRECISION.

Larmandier-Bernier Longitude is one of the most fascinating Blanc de Blancs Champagnes we are delighted to recommend at Liquid Vibe.

Wine Details

• Producer: Larmandier-Bernier

• Wine: Longitude Premier Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs

• Vintage: Non-Vintage

• Region: Champagne, France

• Vineyard Villages: Vertus, Oger, Avize and Cramant

• Classification: Premier Cru

• Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay

• Viticulture: Biodynamic

• Reserve Wines: Approximately 40% perpetual reserve, established in 2004

• Fermentation: Indigenous yeasts in wooden casks and Stockinger foudres

• Malolactic Fermentation: Natural

• Maturation: Approximately one year on lees before bottling, followed by at least two years in bottle

• Dosage: 2 g/L in the current producer specification

• Style: Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grower Champagne

• RRP: $235 per bottle

• Food Pairing: Oysters, scallops, crab, lobster, kingfish, white fish and roast chicken

• Serving Temperature: Approximately 9–11°C

• Cellaring: Enjoy now or cellar under suitable conditions