What kind of wine is Champagne Extra Brut 'Les Vignes d'Autrefois' 2020 - Laherte Frères

Champagne Extra Brut 'Les Vignes d'Autrefois' 2020 - Laherte Frères is a label that elegantly tells the authentic soul of Champagne and the art of a small family maison dedicated to quality. It is born in Chavot, in the heart of the Côteaux Sud d’Épernay, where the Laherte family has cultivated their vineyards for generations, following a biodynamic approach that respects the natural rhythms of the vine. This Extra Brut is made entirely from old Pinot Meunier vines planted between 1947 and 1953, a rare vegetal heritage that gives the wine an unmistakable personality. As per tradition, it is produced using the Champenoise method, meaning the second fermentation takes place in the bottle, a phase that generates the classic and very fine bubbles of Champagne.

Vintage details

The 2020 vintage in Champagne was characterized by particularly favorable weather conditions: a mild spring and a warm summer allowed for balanced ripening of the grapes, ensuring freshness and aromatic richness. Moderate yields concentrated aromas and structure, resulting in a vintage of great harmony and longevity.

Vinification and aging

The Champagne Extra Brut 'Les Vignes d'Autrefois' 2020 - Laherte Frères is vinified using the classic method, with initial fermentation in oak barrels and aging on lees for about 36 months. This long contact with the lees promotes the complexity of the bouquet and the creaminess of the bubbles. The Extra Brut dosage, less than 6 g/l of sugar, maintains the perfect balance between tension and roundness, enhancing the purity of the grape and the character of the terroir.

Tasting notes

Color

To the eye, it presents a brilliant golden yellow, traversed by a fine and persistent perlage, a distinctive sign of the care in processing and long aging on the lees.

Nose

The aroma is broad and deep, with hints of ripe apple, pear, and slightly toasted notes. Nuances of bread crust, dried fruit, and a mineral hint recalling the chalk of the Champenois subsoil then emerge. It is a complex yet always elegant and inviting bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, it reveals a full and harmonious structure: the entry is fresh and lively, supported by creamy and regular bubbles. The finish is long and savory, with a perfect balance between tension and softness, leaving a pleasant mineral persistence that invites another sip.

What dishes to pair with Champagne Extra Brut 'Les Vignes d'Autrefois' 2020 - Laherte Frères

This Extra Brut Champagne is a versatile companion for the table. Thanks to its defined structure and freshness on the palate, it pairs elegantly with:

• raw seafood and oysters
• salmon or tuna tartare
• poultry or white veal dishes
• aged soft cheeses

Also excellent as a meditation glass, to fully appreciate its complexity and evolution in the glass.

Storage and aging: how to store Champagne Extra Brut 'Les Vignes d'Autrefois' 2020 - Laherte Frères

To preserve all the freshness and finesse of its bubbles, it is important to know how to store Champagne Extra Brut 'Les Vignes d'Autrefois' 2020 - Laherte Frères:

• Temperature: maintain between 10 and 12 °C consistently, avoiding sudden temperature changes.
• Light: store in a dark place, away from direct light sources that could alter the wine.
• Bottle position: keep the bottle horizontally, so that the cork remains moist and ensures a perfect seal over time.

If stored correctly, this Champagne can evolve in the bottle for several years, developing even more complex and fascinating notes.