Laherte Freres Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs Brut Base 2022 Disg. May 2024, Champagne

The Laherte Frères Brut Nature Blanc de Blancs is a pure, mineral-driven Champagne that captures the energy and finesse of Chardonnay grown in the Côte des Blancs and Côteaux Sud d’Épernay. Laherte Frères, a grower-producer based in Chavot, has become one of Champagne’s most admired artisanal houses under Aurélien Laherte, whose philosophy focuses on biodynamic farming, low intervention winemaking, and highlighting the diversity of terroirs across their 11 hectares of vineyards.

This cuvée is sourced from Chardonnay vines averaging around 35 years of age, planted on chalky soils that give the wine its saline backbone and razor-sharp precision. True to its “Brut Nature” designation, it is bottled with no dosage, allowing the terroir to shine unadorned. Fermentation is carried out with natural yeasts, and a portion of the base wine is aged in neutral oak to add texture and subtle depth.

In the glass it shows pale gold with a fine, persistent bead. Aromatically it is bright and expressive, with lemon zest, green apple and white peach mingling with chalk, crushed shell, hazelnut and a hint of brioche. The palate is tense and linear, with citrus and orchard fruits carried by vibrant acidity, underpinned by a distinctive chalky minerality. The texture is elegant yet precise, and the finish is long, saline and refreshing, making it a benchmark example of grower Blanc de Blancs Champagne.

Food pairings are classic: freshly shucked oysters, scallops with beurre blanc, sushi and sashimi, or vegetarian dishes like asparagus with parmesan or goat’s cheese tart. While immediately vibrant and delicious, it has the structure to age for 5 to 8 years, developing nutty and honeyed complexity with time.