Through the sustained diligence of Pierre and Sophie Larmandier, their Terre de Vertus has become one of Champagne's iconic Brut Nature Champagnes as well a great example of terroir "speaking" beneath the bubbles. It is comprised of Chardonnay from the northern side of Vertus where the chalk sits close to the surface-- specifically from two prime mid-slope sites-- Les Faucherets and Les Barillers. Fermented and raised in old, neutral oak barrels, it is then polished with five years aging on the lees before release. 2016 was a cooler vintage and Pierre Larmandier has produced a wine that has all the earmarks of a classic Terre de Vertus. It is bone dry and brisk, with pleasing hints of brioche intermingled with citrus and apple inflections while everything is braced with penetrating citrus and saline flavors in the long, kinetic finish.
VINOUS WINE MEDIA 96 POINTS - "The 2016 Brut Nature blanc de Blancs Terre de Vertus is fabulous. Composed of 100% Chardonna from two mid-slope parcels in Vertus, it is perfumed and exotic with striking aromatics. This cuvee staddles the line between still and sparkling wine. Lime, mint, white pepper and chalk lend tons of high-toned character. This 2016 is really quite compelling. Bottled with no dosage. Disgorged April 2022."
WINE ADVOCATE 94 POINTS - "The 2016 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Terre de Vertus unwinds in the glass with aromas of citrus zest, crisp yellow orchard fruit, brioche, honeycomb and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, it's bright and chiseled, with excellent depth at the core, racy acids and a long, penetrating finish. The Larmandier family invariably excel in cooler, more classic vintages, and this wine is no exception to that rule."
VINOUS WINE MEDIA 96 POINTS - "The 2016 Brut Nature blanc de Blancs Terre de Vertus is fabulous. Composed of 100% Chardonna from two mid-slope parcels in Vertus, it is perfumed and exotic with striking aromatics. This cuvee staddles the line between still and sparkling wine. Lime, mint, white pepper and chalk lend tons of high-toned character. This 2016 is really quite compelling. Bottled with no dosage. Disgorged April 2022."
WINE ADVOCATE 94 POINTS - "The 2016 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Terre de Vertus unwinds in the glass with aromas of citrus zest, crisp yellow orchard fruit, brioche, honeycomb and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, ample and fleshy, it's bright and chiseled, with excellent depth at the core, racy acids and a long, penetrating finish. The Larmandier family invariably excel in cooler, more classic vintages, and this wine is no exception to that rule."
