Leclerc Briant Brut Réserve Champagne

Winemaker Notes: Brut Réserve delivers the depth and fruitiness expected of a Champagne made from 80% black grapes with the underlying flavors of brioche and almond from nearly three years aging on its lees. 20% Chardonnay brings an underpinning of lemony acidity giving an impression of lightness and freshness. The finish is firmly dry with lingering notes of chervil and coriander.

Leclerc Briant was an early adopter of organic practices beginning in the 1960’s and pioneered the concept of single-vineyard Champagne beginning in the 1970’s. Fifth generation vigneron, Pascal Leclerc began following biodynamic principles in 1988. Today, enologist Hervé Jestin continues the legacy of this visionary house.

24.7 acres of vineyard are spread between the Premier Cru villages of Cumières, Hautvillers, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Bisseuil in the Vallée de la Marne, Villers-Allerand and Rilly la Montagne in Montagne de Reims and in the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil Sur Oger in the Côte des Blancs. Leclerc Briant also holds long term contracts with another 19.7 acres of organically farmed vineyards.

Brut Réserve is produced from 40% Pinot Noir; 40% Pinot Meunier; 20% Chardonnay. Malolactic fermentation is allowed to happen naturally and sulfite levels are kept between 20 and 30 milligrams per liter. The wine spends 9 to 11 months in stainless steel tanks with 20% in oak barrels and more than 2 years on the lees in the bottle (sur lattes). Dosage is kept below 4 grams per liter and the wine is bottled unfined and unfiltered.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Wine Spectator - "This is soft and creamy in texture, with a subtle, mouthwatering quality that enlivens rich notes of saffron, baked quince, chalky mineral and pickled ginger. Well-knit and elegant, with a lingering, spiced finish. Disgorged April 2017. Drink now through 2021. 4,000 cases made."