Terre de Vertus is one of three single-terroir Chardonnay wines produced at this Estate and is certainly the most famous. It is from the chalky 1er Cru vineyard plots of Les Barillers and Les Faucherets, situated mid-slope in Vertus. These sites make arguably the most explicitly mineral wines of the village; wines that can recall the best of Le Mesnil (to the north) in their chalky raciness and drive.

This was fermented naturally and aged 60% in neutral barrique and 40% in large wooden Stockinger cask. Malolactic fermentation began spontaneously (without inoculation) and the wines were left on their natural lees for nearly a year. After the second fermentation the wine was aged in bottle on cork and there was no dosage addition at disgorgement in order to respect the purity of the terroir. The result is one of the most distinctive and mineral wines of the entire Champagne region–a wine which is today regarded as one of the touchstone wines of the great grower movement.

This wine has always been non-dosé–since the mid 90’s, long before it was fashionable. The Larmandiers made the decision because this particular terroir (when farmed in their way: old vines, biodynamics, low yields, etc.) works best without any additions. The 2014 is a superb Terre de Vertus, very classic in style. You can expect a wonderfully fine, savoury dry white that offers complex hints of bosc pear, fresh salt, earth, preserved lemon and chalk. It’s ultra-fine and pure and although it is terrific now (don’t be scared to decant!), you will be amply rewarded if you can rest it for three to six years on cork. Try it with oysters, terrine, hard cheeses, roast chicken or grilled white fish.

“Disgorged in January 2020, the 2014 Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Premier Cru Terre de Vertus is a fine follow-up to the excellent 2013 and 2012 renditions. Unwinding in the glass with scents of white flowers, citrus oil, crisp orchard fruit, fresh pastry and almonds, it’s full-bodied, layered and vinous, with more richness and mid-palate amplitude than the tauter 2013, underpinned by racy acids and chalky structuring extract.” 94+ points, William Kelley, The Wine Advocate