Larmandier Bernier Latitude Extra-Brut NV (France)

Description

Almond, Apple, Dry

"Firm and focused, this creamy version features tropical hints of guava and kumquat and flavors of biscuit and salted almond, underscored by smoky minerality. Light spice notes show on the balanced finish" Wine Spectator

"Alluringly aromatic, this combines saffron, fennel pollen, fresh apple, freshly baked bread, plus tangy buckwheat and ocean breeze, all of which reunite on a buoyant and polished palate, joined by raw almond and with the saline, alkaline and chalky mineral elements gaining prominence en route to a mouthwatering finish" The Wine Advocate

This wine displays bright golden straw, accompanied by a fresh nose, with delicate white floral aromas, citrus and a vague smoky spice. The palate superbly round, succulent palate with distinct, crisp minerality underlying the poached apple, stonefruit and pear flavours.

This cuvee is composed exclusively of Chardonnays originating from about the same “latitude”: the south of Vertus. This is a generous terroir: the cuvée Latitude with its fully round, rich, charming style is the perfect festive Champagne, which still retains the characteristic pureness of our Estate’s Champagnes.
The grapes were harvested by hand in 2012. Reserve wines from 2004 to 2011 make up one third of the blend.

The natural alcoholic fermentation (natural yeast) and the malolactic fermentation begin spontaneously in our casks and our wooden vats. The wines are left on their natural lees for nearly a year and undergo gentle bâtonnages, but no filtering or fining. The blending and the bottling are carried out in July. The bottles are then taken down into the coolness of our cellars, where the second fermentation and the maturation 'on laths' quietly take place over a period of more than 2 years. Each bottle is disgorged manually 6 months before being marketed. The dosage is 4 g/l (extra-brut!).

Food Pairing: Try this wine with triple cream cheese, or sweet bread and mascarpone cheese. For a full meal, match with shrimp and shellfish or fried calamari.