Champagne LeClerc Briant Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut 2018

Champagne Leclerc Briant, established in 1872 by Lucien Leclerc in the village of Cumières, is a pioneering house renowned for its commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture. In 1955, under the leadership of Lucien’s great-grandson, Bertrand Leclerc, and his wife, Jacqueline Briant, the estate transitioned into a Champagne trading house and relocated to Épernay, adopting the name Leclerc Briant. The house was among the first in Champagne to embrace organic practices in the 1960s, and to produce single-vineyard cuvées in the 1970s. In the 1980s, under Bertrand and Jacqueline's son, Pascal, biodynamic principles were integrated, with Demeter certification achieved in 2003.

Following Pascal's passing in 2010, the estate was revitalized in 2012 when American Champagne enthusiasts Mark Nunnelly and Denise Dupré acquired it. Today, under the guidance of Frédéric Zeimett (after time spent working at Moët, Pommery, and as managing director of Michel Chapoutier’s wine empire), Leclerc Briant continues to craft exceptional Champagnes from their 8-hectare estate, remaining a testament to innovation, sustainability, and a deep respect for terroir. 

This is a new cuvée, sourcing Chardonnay from all over Champagne, including the chalky vineyards in both Sézannais and Montgueux.Crafted with meticulous care, it is a refined vision of Chardonnay that ages for 10 months in oak, with another 64 months on the lees before getting a miniscule 2.2 g/L dosage to keep the fruit intense and expressive. With a brilliant straw color sporting subtle green glimmers, the energetic nose presents Bosc pear, bruised apple, and Marcona almonds, with an accent of sweet florals, something like honeysuckle and jasmine. The palate is round and giving, with soft, delicate bubbles and an overall very luxurious mouthfeel. Notes of quince paste, juicy apple, and an undertone of lively crushed stone and lemon verbena bring exceptional brightness and verve. This is a really cool dance between the way that Chardonnay can show exemplary winemaking and lees aging, while still allowing the terroir to clearly shine. We’re a full $40 less than any other retailer offering this in the U.S., and you’ll be thrilled to make this shining star from a prosperous producer yours!