Larmandier Bernier Longitude Blanc de Blancs NV

The name here refers to the ‘vertical’ nature of the geographic locations of the vineyards as well as the style of wine that results from the very chalky soils of these sites – a more linear, mineral style of wine. The vineyards are located in Cramant, Avize, Oger, and Vertus (north of the village), which form a line close to the fourth meridian. So, Longitude.

It’s all about minerality, line and raciness. This is again 100% Côte des Blancs Chardonnay, yet now the vineyard top soils are much thinner and the vine’s roots plunge straight into the chalk bedrock. Made in the same fashion as Larmandier’s Latitude cuvée, expect a vibrant, crystalline and remarkably refined Champagne, crackling with chalky energy and salinity and with wonderfully bright, citrus, nectarine and white pepper fruit. As with the Latitude cuvée, Longitude is dosed with a low four grams per litre (so Extra Brut).

Scents of just ripe stone fruit, talc, faint honey and toast, a light caramel note too, all adding up to quite subtle and pretty. Creaminess in texture with very fine bead, vivacious and fresh-tasting with lovely salty-chalky feel very present through the wine and to the powdery, lightly puckering finish. Vinous in a way, gently savoury throughout, exceptionally long and runs with so much energy. Beautiful. 95 points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front