Larmandier-Bernier Latitude 1er Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne – 94 Points The Wine Front

94 POINTS THE WINE FRONT! ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFULLY TEXTURED BLANC DE BLANCS CHAMPAGNES FROM ONE OF FRANCE'S GREATEST GROWERS!

94 Points – Mike Bennie, The Wine Front

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

RRP $205 per bottle

If you love extraordinary Chardonnay, beautifully textured Champagne and the remarkable wines of France's finest independent growers, this is a bottle you absolutely need to discover.

Larmandier-Bernier Latitude is one of the most compelling Blanc de Blancs Champagnes in the estate's remarkable portfolio.

And what makes it so exciting is its personality.

This is not an austere, razor-sharp expression of Chardonnay.

Instead, Latitude combines the extraordinary freshness and mineral precision of the Côte des Blancs with beautiful generosity, richness and texture.

100% Chardonnay. Premier Cru Vertus. Biodynamic viticulture. Extra Brut.

And an extraordinary perpetual reserve dating back to 2004.

The result is a Champagne that combines youthful freshness with remarkable depth and complexity.

Think baked apple, fresh pear, citrus blossom, delicate stone fruit, cinnamon toast and subtle vanilla.

There is a beautiful creamy texture.

Fine, elegant bubbles.

And a wonderfully persistent saline finish.

94 POINTS – THE WINE FRONT.

This is exactly the kind of Champagne that demonstrates why the world's finest independent growers deserve so much attention.

At $205 per bottle, Latitude is a fascinating opportunity to explore serious Côte des Blancs Chardonnay from one of Champagne's most respected estates.

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

Larmandier-Bernier is one of the great names in the modern grower Champagne movement.

Based in Vertus, at the southern end of the Côte des Blancs, the family estate has established an extraordinary international reputation for producing Champagnes of remarkable purity, complexity and vineyard expression.

Pierre and Sophie Larmandier were pioneers of biodynamic farming in Champagne, embracing these principles in 1999.

Their philosophy places enormous importance on healthy soils, naturally balanced vines and exceptional fruit quality.

Rather than imposing a uniform house style, the estate seeks to reveal the distinctive personality of its vineyards.

The result is a range of Champagnes that demonstrate just how varied and fascinating Chardonnay can be.

And Latitude is one of the most approachable yet sophisticated expressions of that philosophy.

Premier Cru Vertus – A Different Expression of Chardonnay

Vertus is one of the most fascinating villages in the Côte des Blancs.

It is celebrated for Chardonnay with beautiful freshness, mineral complexity and remarkable finesse.

But the village contains different soils and exposures that can produce dramatically different wine styles.

Latitude comes from vineyards situated on the southern side of Vertus.

These sites have relatively richer topsoils, with a greater clay influence than some of the region's particularly chalk-dominated vineyards.

That difference is important.

The Chardonnay from these vineyards can develop greater breadth, generosity and texture.

The resulting Champagne is beautifully rounded, with a richness that complements its natural freshness.

This is what makes Latitude such a distinctive wine.

It possesses the elegance and precision expected from great Côte des Blancs Chardonnay, but with a wonderfully generous personality.

Why Is It Called Latitude?

The name is particularly clever.

All the Chardonnay used to produce Latitude comes from vineyards situated along approximately the same latitude on the southern side of Vertus.

But there is another meaning.

Latitude also suggests breadth.

Generosity.

Roundness.

And freedom of expression.

These are exactly the characteristics that define this remarkable Champagne.

Where the estate's Longitude cuvée celebrates linear precision, Latitude emphasises richness and texture.

Two fascinating expressions of Chardonnay from one extraordinary producer.

The Perpetual Reserve – More Than Two Decades of Winemaking History

One of the most compelling features of Latitude is the estate's remarkable perpetual reserve.

Established in 2004, this reserve provides an extraordinary source of mature Chardonnay for the non-vintage blend.

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

Each release combines the freshness and energy of the base harvest with the depth and complexity of wines retained from previous years.

This contributes additional texture, savoury complexity and harmony.

The reserve is one of the reasons Latitude can be so much more interesting than a straightforward young Champagne.

There is beautiful freshness.

But also depth.

Creaminess.

And a wonderful sense of integration.

This is Champagne that benefits from years of thoughtful winemaking, even though it carries a non-vintage designation.

Biodynamic Viticulture – Extraordinary Attention to the Vineyard

Larmandier-Bernier has followed biodynamic farming principles since 1999.

The estate's philosophy focuses on cultivating healthy soils, encouraging natural biodiversity and allowing the vines to develop balanced fruit.

For a producer so committed to expressing terroir, this approach is fundamental.

The aim is to produce Chardonnay with genuine vineyard character.

Fruit that possesses natural balance.

Beautiful acidity.

And sufficient concentration to produce exceptional Champagne with minimal intervention.

Latitude is a magnificent example of how thoughtful viticulture can create a Champagne of both richness and remarkable purity.

Indigenous Fermentation and Traditional Oak Maturation

The winemaking behind Latitude is deliberately sensitive.

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

Fermentation and maturation take place in wooden casks and large Stockinger foudres.

Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally.

The wine then matures on its lees for approximately one year, developing additional texture and complexity.

There is no fining or filtration.

The final blend is bottled for secondary fermentation and spends at least two further years maturing in the estate's cool cellars.

This traditional approach contributes beautiful texture and integration.

But it never overwhelms the freshness and individuality of the Chardonnay.

The result is a Champagne that combines remarkable generosity with genuine mineral precision.

Extra Brut – Beautifully Dry but Wonderfully Generous

Latitude is finished with an exceptionally restrained dosage.

The estate's current specification is just 2 grams per litre, while some Australian releases have been finished at 3 grams per litre.

Either way, this is firmly within the Extra Brut category.

And that is one of the most fascinating things about this wine.

Despite the very low dosage, Latitude is not lean or excessively austere.

The generous fruit from southern Vertus provides natural richness.

The perpetual reserve adds depth.

And traditional oak maturation contributes texture.

The result is a Champagne that feels beautifully rounded and complete.

It is a wonderful demonstration that great dry Champagne can be both precise and luxurious.

Baked Apple, Cinnamon Toast, Vanilla and Saline Minerality

The aromatic complexity of Latitude is magnificent.

Mike Bennie's 94-point Wine Front review of the 2021-base release highlights baked apple, cinnamon toast, delicate vanilla and sweet spice.

These characters are complemented by the fresh citrus, orchard fruit and mineral qualities associated with great Côte des Blancs Chardonnay.

Think fresh pear.

Lemon zest.

White flowers.

Ripe stone fruit.

And beautifully integrated pastry complexity.

The palate is particularly compelling.

Fine bubbles.

Creamy texture.

Beautiful depth.

And refreshing acidity.

The mineral character provides focus, ensuring the wine remains elegant despite its generosity.

The finish is long, beautifully dry and wonderfully saline.

This is a Champagne that offers richness without heaviness and complexity without sacrificing freshness.

94 Points – Mike Bennie, The Wine Front

94 POINTS – THE WINE FRONT

Mike Bennie's review of the 2021-base, April 2024 disgorgement highlights the wine's exceptional purity, fine bubbles, delicate spice and saline mineral character.

The review also recognises the freshness and energy of the 2021 growing season.

The result is a Champagne with beautiful delicacy and an extraordinarily appealing texture.

An excellent endorsement for one of Larmandier-Bernier's most charming Blanc de Blancs Champagnes.

Latitude vs Longitude – Two Extraordinary Expressions of Chardonnay

One of the most fascinating opportunities for Champagne enthusiasts is to taste Latitude alongside Longitude.

Both wines come from Larmandier-Bernier.

Both are made entirely from Chardonnay.

Both benefit from biodynamic viticulture, traditional oak fermentation and the estate's remarkable perpetual reserve.

But their personalities are very different.

Latitude – Rich, Round and Generous

Produced from the southern vineyards of Vertus, Latitude is beautifully textured, with greater fruit richness, breadth and a creamy, harmonious palate.

Longitude – Linear, Chalky and Precise

Produced from Chardonnay vineyards across Vertus, Oger, Avize and Cramant, Longitude emphasises mineral tension, freshness and a long, beautifully focused finish.

Neither is necessarily better.

They simply demonstrate different expressions of exceptional Chardonnay.

If you love generous, textured Champagne, choose Latitude. If you prefer mineral tension and precision, choose Longitude.

Better still, try them side by side.

An Extraordinary Champagne for Fine Dining

Latitude is a magnificent Champagne for the dinner table.

Its generous texture and beautifully integrated acidity make it particularly versatile.

Think seared scallops.

Lobster.

Crab.

Roast chicken with lemon.

Delicate mushroom dishes.

And beautifully prepared white fish.

The wine's savoury complexity also makes it an excellent match for terrines, aged Comté and other firm cheeses.

For something particularly memorable, serve it with roast chicken and a delicate cream sauce.

The Champagne's richness complements the dish, while its acidity provides beautiful freshness.

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

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 Latitude is exactly the kind of wine that demonstrates why these producers deserve so much attention.

First, there is the estate.

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

Then there are the vineyards.

Premier Cru Vertus – Chardonnay from the richer southern slopes.

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 wine itself.

100% CHARDONNAY. EXTRA BRUT. BEAUTIFULLY RICH. WONDERFULLY MINERAL.

And the critics agree.

94 POINTS THE WINE FRONT.

At $205 per bottle, Latitude represents a compelling opportunity to experience serious grower Champagne from one of the world's great Chardonnay producers.

If you love beautifully textured Chardonnay, the finest independent Champagne growers or wines that combine generosity with extraordinary precision, this is a bottle you absolutely need to experience.

PREMIER CRU VERTUS. 100% CHARDONNAY. BIODYNAMIC VITICULTURE. PERPETUAL RESERVE SINCE 2004. 94 POINTS THE WINE FRONT.

Larmandier-Bernier Latitude is an extraordinary Champagne – and one we are delighted to recommend at Liquid Vibe.

Wine Details

• Producer: Larmandier-Bernier

• Wine: Latitude Premier Cru Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs

• Vintage: Non-Vintage

• Region: Champagne, France

• Village: Vertus, Côte des Blancs

• Classification: Premier Cru

• Grape Variety: 100% Chardonnay

• Vineyards: Southern slopes of Vertus

• 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 estate specification; 3 g/L for the reviewed 2021-base Australian release

• Style: Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Grower Champagne

• Critic Score: 94 Points The Wine Front

• RRP: $205 per bottle

• Food Pairing: Scallops, lobster, crab, roast chicken, white fish, terrines and aged Comté

• Serving Temperature: Approximately 9–11°C

• Cellaring: Enjoy now or cellar carefully under suitable conditions