What kind of wine is Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Les Grandes Crayères' 2020 - Laherte Frères

The Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Les Grandes Crayères' 2020 - Laherte Frères is an excellent interpretation of the Coteaux Sud d’Épernay terroir, in the heart of Champagne. Produced exclusively from Chardonnay grapes from old vines rooted in chalky soils – the “crayères” that give the label its name – this Champagne represents the quintessence of the Laherte Frères style: authenticity, precision, and respect for its origin.

The house, one of the most dynamic in the region, employs the traditional Méthode Champenoise, which involves secondary fermentation directly in the bottle. It is during this phase that the prise de mousse – the natural formation of bubbles – takes shape, a distinctive sign of the best artisanal Champagnes.

Vintage Details

The 2020 vintage is considered one of the most balanced and consistent of the last decade. The mild climate, with sunny but not excessively hot summers, allowed for optimal grape ripening, giving this Blanc de Blancs freshness, tension, and mineral finesse. The over forty-year-old vines that make up the “Les Grandes Crayères” vineyard produced concentrated berries rich in substance, perfect for an elegant and profound Champagne.

Winemaking and Aging

Winemaking takes place in small oak barrels, where alcoholic fermentation develops but not malolactic fermentation – a choice that preserves the wine’s natural acidity, conferring vibrant freshness. This is followed by secondary fermentation in the bottle, with a long period of aging on the lees until disgorgement, which occurred in 2018. The very low dosage (Extra Brut) highlights the purity and transparency of the Chardonnay grape, making the palate clean and refined.

Tasting Notes

A Blanc de Blancs that impresses with its precision and energy, combining the typical delicacy of Chardonnay with the depth conferred by the calcareous terroir.

Colour

It presents a luminous straw yellow with golden reflections. The perlage is very fine and persistent, a sign of long aging on the lees.

Nose

On the nose, it expresses a complex and seductive bouquet: ripe citrus fruits, white flowers, and light notes of toasted hazelnut blend with mineral hints and touches of bread crust, typical of long aging.

Taste

On the palate, it is vertical, with great precision and savory tension. The creamy structure intertwines with a lively freshness. The very long and mineral finish highlights the fineness of the bubbles and the persistence of the best single-vineyard Champagnes.

Food Pairings for Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Les Grandes Crayères' 2020 - Laherte Frères

Thanks to its elegance and marked mineral note, this Champagne is perfect to accompany:

• Seafood crudités and oysters
• White fish or red tuna tartare
• Crustacean-based dishes
• Fresh or lightly aged cheeses
• High-end vegetarian dishes based on asparagus or artichokes

It is also extraordinary as a classy aperitif, where its freshness and complexity can be appreciated in their purest form.

Storage and Aging: How to Store Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Les Grandes Crayères' 2020 - Laherte Frères

To preserve the precious characteristics of this Champagne, it is essential to store it carefully:

• Temperature: between 10°C and 12°C, stable and constant over time.
• Light: avoid direct exposure to light, especially sunlight.
• Bottle position: horizontal, so that the cork remains moist and sealed.

If stored in a suitable cellar, Champagne Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs 'Les Grandes Crayères' 2020 - Laherte Frères can evolve pleasantly for several years, developing softer and more complex notes without losing its lively freshness.