Laherte Frères, Champagne, Extra Brut Ultradition – 4.5g/L dosage


Producer


Region

France

Appellation

Champagne, Extra Brut

Cuvée

Ultradition (4.5g/L dosage)

Varietal

Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir

Farming

Biodynamic, Low/No Sulfur Vinification

Vinification

Aged in bottle before release, Barrel Aged, Estate grown grapes, Hand harvested, Indigenous yeast fermented, Organically Grown Grapes, Unfined & Unfiltered

Soil Type

Chalky Limestone, Clay

Note

Returns late Dec

90% organically grown grapes with a small portion coming from a non-certified but practicing organic grower.
60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir grown around the estate in Chavot and from sourced vineyards in the Vallée de la Marne.
Clay and chalky clay topsoils over limestone chalk bedrock.
This is normally a blend of 60% current vintage (currently 2015) and 40% reserve wines from the two previous harvests. Hand harvested and pressed in traditional vertical Champagne press. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in a combination of vats and burgundy barrels according to grape variety and vineyard provenance. Partial malolactic fermentation is the norm but varies with harvest.
Aged 6 months prior to bottling and prise de mousse in the springtime following harvest. Dosage is 4.5g/L or Extra Brut.
Although a great value, this is serious wine with excellent mineral cut, showing a chalky texture coated with lovely citrus, apricot, floral and honeyed pear aromatics. Very persistent showing nice tension and breed.
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The NV Extra Brut Ultradition, the entry-level wine in this range, is wonderfully deep and fleshy, with plenty of Meunier character driving the blend. Dried pear, chamomile and spice are some of the notes that open in the glass. Generous and inviting, the Ultradition has plenty to offer. This release is based on 2017, with reserve wines from 2016 and 2015. Drink it over the next few years. Dosage is 4.5 grams per liter. Disgorged: October, 2019.
— Antonio Galloni