The LARMANDIERs have been contributing to the reputation of Côte des Blancs Champagnes for 8 generations. Located in Vertus in the Côtes des Blancs, Larmandier-Bernier is one of the great names of grower Champagne. The Larmandier and Bernier families have a long history in Champagne, traced back to the French Revolution, but it was not until the marriage of Philippe Larmandier and Elisabeth Bernier in 1971 that Champagne Larmandier-Bernier was established. Pierre Larmandier took over from his parents in 1988, moving into organics by 1992, and into fully biodynamic viticulture by 1999. They have been certified organic since 2003. It is not for reasons of tradition that Larmandier-Bernier practices natural viticulture; it’s simply a question of common sense. Creating a great Champagne, as with any great wine, begins in the vineyard. Indeed, the grapes already bear all the qualities and the authenticity that no winegrower would be capable of inventing.

The recipe for growing good grapes is simple but demanding: vieilles vignes, tillage of the soil, reasonable yields, vines that look after themselves without being drip-fed on fertilizer and picking by hand at optimum ripeness. The vineyard – 45 acres of vines, 35 years old on average, certified organic – is situated on the Côte des Blancs: Vertus, classified Premier Cru and Cramant, Chouilly and Avize, all classified Grand Cru. The entire crop is put in oak casks and vats, to allow the aromas to express themselves. In order to respect the purity of the Côte des Blancs terroirs, the Stockinger family cooperage was chosen for its delicate toasting which respects wines.