Larmandier-Bernier Champagne — Biodynamic winemaking and the purity of the Côte des Blancs
In the heart of the Côte des Blancs, Larmandier-Bernier embodies the purest expression of Champagne Chardonnay. Founded in 1971 by Philippe Larmandier and Elisabeth Bernier — building on a family winemaking heritage dating back to 1846 — the estate now cultivates 16 hectares of vineyards, certified biodynamic since 1999. The soul of these champagnes lies in the Campanian chalk of Vertus, Cramant and Avize: mineral tension, crisp freshness, and dosages kept below 4 g/L for the extra-brut. Fermented using only indigenous yeasts, aged for eleven months on lees in barrels and casks, without filtration or fining, these wines seek neither easy roundness nor ostentatious power — they reveal the terroir with a precision that sets artisan winemakers apart from the major wine merchants.
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The Larmandier-Bernier cuvées — exceptional Blanc de Blancs
The Larmandier-Bernier range features several expressions of Chardonnay, each reflecting its terroir of origin. The Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut, with its crisp, briny character, is ideal with oysters or pan-fried scallops. La Terre de Vertus 1er Cru reveals greater depth — a natural pairing with fish in sauce or creamy poultry. La Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru calls for a gourmet meal: turbot in brown butter, sweetbreads, and hard-pressed cheeses. Les Chemins d’Avize and the Cramant Nature Grand Cru each express their terroir with crystalline purity; the Rosé de Saignée, vinified by maceration, pairs well with roast poultry or fine charcuterie.
Serve these champagnes at between 10 and 12 °C, preferably in a tulip-shaped glass — single-vineyard cuvées are best served in a Burgundy glass to release their full aromatic palette. They have genuine ageing potential: 5 to 8 years for the blended cuvées, and over a decade for the single-vineyard cuvées in excellent vintages. Store in a cool cellar, away from light and vibrations.
Order the Larmandier-Bernier range from Pépites en Champagne: an artisanal selection, expert advice and careful dispatch. Express delivery to mainland France and throughout Europe.
Larmandier-Bernier — Biodynamic winegrowers in Vertus since 1971
The Larmandier family has been growing vines in Champagne since 1846. In 1971, Philippe Larmandier and Elisabeth Bernier pooled their plots to found the estate that bears both their names. Now run by Pierre and Sophie Larmandier, supported by their sons Arthur and Georges, the estate upholds a traditional, small-scale approach: each plot is vinified separately, yields are kept low, and the vines are treated as a living ecosystem to be nurtured rather than exploited.
The winemaking philosophy is one of total non-intervention: spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts, ageing for eleven months on fine lees in barrels and casks, without filtration or fining. The entire vineyard has been managed biodynamically since 1999, with organic certification obtained in 2003 — an achievement recognised by Robert Parker’s Green Emblem and Bettane & Desseauve’s 4BD rating.
Your questions about Larmandier-Bernier champagnes
Which Larmandier-Bernier wine should you choose as a gift?
For a prestigious gift, the Vieille Vigne du Levant Grand Cru stands out for its rarity and the complexity of its vineyard plots. To discover the estate’s signature minerality, the Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut is a safe bet. Lovers of characterful champagnes will appreciate the Rosé de Saignée, a full-bodied and rare wine, a far cry from conventional blended rosés.
What food and wine pairings go well with Larmandier-Bernier champagne?
The Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut is at its best with oysters, sashimi and pan-fried scallops. The Terre de Vertus pairs well with fine fish and delicate risottos. The Vieille Vigne du Levant is perfect with turbot in brown butter, sweetbreads and matured hard cheeses. The full-bodied Rosé de Saignée is ideal with roast poultry or fine charcuterie.
How should Larmandier-Bernier champagne be served and stored?
Serve at 10–12 °C in a tulip-shaped glass; single-vineyard wines are best served in a Burgundy glass to allow their full range of aromas to unfold. Ageing potential: 5 to 8 years for entry-level cuvées, over a decade for the top single-vineyard cuvées in good vintages. Store in a cool cellar (10–14 °C), away from light and vibrations.
Where can I buy Larmandier-Bernier champagne online?
Discover the full Larmandier-Bernier range at Pépites en Champagne — a selection of artisan wines, expert advice, and express delivery throughout France and Europe.
How does biodynamic farming affect the flavour of Larmandier-Bernier champagnes?
Biodynamic farming, practised since 1999 and certified organic since 2003, enhances the microbial life of the clay and chalky soil, which encourages spontaneous fermentation by indigenous yeasts specific to each plot. The result is a more direct minerality, enhanced natural freshness and an expression of terroir that is not obscured by residual sugar or chemical inputs — this is precisely what sets Larmandier-Bernier apart from the major wine merchants.
Why are Larmandier-Bernier champagnes classified as ‘extra brut’?
With less than 4 g/L of residual sugar, the Extra Brut is a testament to the quality of the grapes. The extended ageing period of eleven months on the lees in barrels and casks naturally imparts roundness and complexity — without the need for added sugar. This is essential for the minerality of the Campanian chalk and the natural tension of the Côte des Blancs Chardonnay to express themselves in all their purity.
About
Champagne Larmandier-Bernier — the essentials
- Founded in
- 1971
- Founder
- Philippe Larmandier et Elisabeth Bernier
- House / owner
- Larmandier
- Location
- Vertus, Côte des Blancs
- Vineyard
- 16 ha
- Grape varieties
- Chardonnay (90%+)
- Distinctions
- Certifié Bio depuis 2003, Biodynamie depuis 1999, Green Emblem Robert Parker, Classement des Meilleurs Vins de France (2 étoiles, 2003), Bettane & Desseauve (4BD)
- Cuvées
- Latitude Longitude, Vieille Vigne du Levant, Les Chemins d'Avize, Rosé de Saignée, Terre de Vertus, Cramant Nature
