Pierre and Sophie Larmandier pull fruit for their “Terre de Vertus” cuvée exclusively from “Les Barillers,” a mid-slope parcel in the Premier Cru Côte des Blancs village of Vertus that has been vinified separately since 1995.

What makes this terroir extraordinary is its distinctive personality—simultaneously delicate and saline, yet rich. The balance is so effortless that Pierre never feels the need to blend it with other parcels. This is 100% Chardonnay from a single terroir and single vintage, expressing pure Côte des Blancs character.

The Larmandier family's commitment to biodynamic viticulture isn't driven by fashion, but rather conviction, since 1999. Their 35-year-old vines (some dating back 50-70 years in Cramant) are cultivated without synthetic fertilizers, allowing the roots to probe deep into the chalk subsoil that defines the Côte des Blancs.

Pierre's winemaking philosophy mirrors his farming: indigenous yeasts only, separate vinification for each cru, and zero dosage for completely unadulterated terroir expression. The wine spends extended time on the lees in large oak foudres and smaller Burgundian barrels before being disgorged with no added sugar—hence the “Brut Nature” designation. 

According to Champagne expert Charles Curtis MW, this domaine is “producing some of the most thought-provoking wines in the Côte des Blancs…some of the most exceptional work done in the region.”

Why You'll Love It:

• Cult-Level following at top Restaurants: With placements at Eleven Madison Park, Saison, and other Michelin-starred establishments, Larmandier-Bernier has earned recognition as one of Champagne's most sought-after grower producers.
  

• Uncompromising pursuit of terroir expression: The "Terre de Vertus" showcases everything that makes the Premier Cru village of Vertus special:  saline minerality, crystalline precision, and that distinctive chalk-driven richness that comes from biodynamically farmed, old-vine Chardonnay.
  

• Extraordinary Value Proposition: At $99 on 3+ bottles, you're securing a 96-point Champagne that outperformed bottles costing 3-5 times as much. This represents one of the most compelling price-to-quality ratios in Champagne today.

How To Serve It

• Prime drinking window: Gorgeous now after 7+ years on the lees, but will continue developing complexity for another 10-15 years in proper cellar conditions.
  

• Serve at 46-48°F in white Burgundy stems to savor both the superfine mousse and the wine's vinous personality.
  

• Pair with raw oysters, broiled lobster prepared simply, or aged Comté cheese to highlight the wine's mineral intensity and complexity.