The Champagne Society December 2020 Selection: Champagne Leclerc-Briant

Champagne Leclerc-Briant Millésime 2009 (Extra Brut)
Price for The Champagne Society members: $75, limit 2 bottles

Founded in the village of Cumières in 1872 by Lucien Leclerc, Champagne Leclerc Briant saw five successive generations of Leclercs that were true innovators and who are counted amongst the pioneers of organic and biodynamic viticulture in Champagne. Today, enologist Hervé Jestin continues the legacy of this visionary house.

The estate holds 24 acres of vineyards divided between the Premier Cru villages of Cumières, Hautvillers, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Bisseuil in the Vallée de la Marne, Villers-Allerand and Rilly la Montagne in Montagne de Reims and the Grand Cru village of Le Mesnil Sur Oger in the Côte des Blancs. Their holdings also include one tiny plot, called La Croisette, right in the heart of Epernay.

In recent years, the premises have been extensively refurbished and improved with the aim of creating wines of the utmost quality. Their extensive cellars are more than a half of a mile in length and over 100 feet below the surface — ideal for maturing champagne.

Certified biodynamic, Leclerc-Briant Millésime 2009 is produced from 40% Chardonnay; 40% Pinot Noir and 20% Pinot Meunier from the Premiers Crus villages of Hautvillers and Cumières as well as the village of Verneuil located on the right bank of the Marne. The wine was fermented and aged for seven to eight months in stainless steel and cement tanks followed by nearly eight years in bottle before disgorgement in June of 2017 when it received a low dosage of just 4 grams per liter. Only about 800 cases were produced.

Long maturity and the ripe 2009 vintage gives the wine a lushness to balance a brisk low dosage and salty finish. Notes of lemon curd, white flowers, and brioche add to its elegance. A beautiful Champagne inside and out as the label design was inspired by the influential publishing house Éditions Gallimard’s iconic book cover design.

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Posted on 2020.11.15 in France, The Champagne Society, Champagne