France | Champagne | Laherte Freres | Champagne Nature de Craie Premier Cru

Champagne Nature de Craie Premier Cru

Varietal
Chardonnay. For a number of vintages Aurélien Laherte has been experimenting with a sans soufre cuvée. In 2018 he produced his first commercial release in this style with two barrels of Côte des Blancs juice, drawn from two Premier Cru terroirs in Vertus and Voipreux. Laherte noted that the factors key to the stability of vinifying in the absence of any additions were zero dosage and full malolactic fermentation.

Notes
VINTAGE: From vines planted in 1960, 1965, and 1987 in Vertus and Voipreux in the Cote des Blancs. The lower slopes where the vines are planted are predominantly chalky (to which "Craie" refers) soil. Being on the lower slopes, the vines are assured good exposure which provides consistent ripeness and no need for additional dosage.

VINIFICATION: Grapes picked up by hand then placed into a traditional press. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations in neutral oak barrel with some batonnage. Aged on the lees for six months. No added sulfur and zero dosage. Disgorged by hand in June 2021.
Extremely limited, only 50 cases produced.