Larmandier Bernier 1er Cru 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.

Another lovely wine from Larmandier-Bernier, the 2017-base NV Extra-Brut Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Longitude was disgorged in April 2020 with three grams per liter dosage. Mingling aromas of citrus oil, green apple and pear with hints of white flowers and fresh bread, it’s medium to full-bodied, elegantly enveloping and precise, with a more mineral, chiseled profile than the Latitude bottling, reflecting its origins in optimally situated parcels in Vertus, Oger, Avize, Cramant. As I’ve written before, this is one of the finest non-vintage bottlings to be found in Champagne, and it comes warmly recommended. 93 points, William Kelley, The Wine Advocate