France | Champagne | Laherte Freres | Champagne Brut Ultradition

Champagne Brut Ultradition

Varietal
60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir. 40% of which are reserve wines of past years kept in barrels.

Notes
VINEYARD: The grapes are grown in Laherte's Chavot vineyards, and from surrounding vineyards in the Valle de la Marne, and Côtes des Blancs.

VINIFICATION: Hand-harvested. Alcoholic fermentation in foudres (20%), tanks(20%) and barrels(60%) with regular stirring of the lees. Partial malolactic fermentation. Dosage ranges from 7-8 g/L. Disgorged December 2019.

TASTING NOTES: Fresh aroma of green apples and pear. Rich lingering flavor. It shows surprising delicacy for a 60% meunier wine, with a crisp, tight palate and lightly textured finish. A little toastiness is adding complexity. Rich in the mouth without being weighty.

PRESS/REVIEWS: The NV Brut Ultradition is the same wine as the Extra Brut version, but with higher dosage. That added touch of sugar seems to bring out an extra dimension of freshness and cut, which works so well for this Meunier-based Champagne. Apricot, lemon confit, dried flowers and spice are all nicely lifted. The higher dosage is not just felt in the wine's flavor profile, it also comes through in a more translucent overall expression. This release is based on 2017, with reserve wines from 2016 and 2015, done mostly in neutral oak. Dosage is 7.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: December, 2019.
-- Antonio Galloni 91 (11.19.2020)