Laherte Freres 'Rose de Meunier' Extra Brut NV

Country: France

Region: Champagne

Type: Champagne

Grape: Pinot Meunier

Laherte Freres is run by Aurélien Laherte, who has been at the helm of his family estate since 2005. Laherte Freres was founded in 1889 in the village of Chavot in the Coteaux Sud D'Epernay, and over the generations the vineyard holdings have slowly grown to 10.5 hectares, always with an emphasis on allowing full terroir expression in the wines through careful farming. Aurélien farms 7 hectares biodynamically and certified organic, with the other vineyards farmed uncertified organic or, at minimum, sustainably. Under Aurélien's leadership, Laherte Freres has begun to produce a series of single vineyard and single vintage cuvées vinified in Burgundy barrels without malolactic fermentation and bottled without fining or filtration.

Sourced from vineyards with an average age of 25 years and more than 40 years for the parcels that are selected for the red wine. This cuvee is a blend of 30% macerated Meunier, 60% white wine (immediately pressed Meunier) and 10% still red Meunier. Grapes are hand picked when fully ripened. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in in vats, foudres and barrels. Malolactic fermentation is partialy made. Disgorgement is done by hand.

This Extra-Brut Rosé Champagne shows the maturity from the family's old vines of Pinot Meunier singularly. Using different vinification techniques, they are able to achieve a perfect balance of fruit, complexity, structure and freshness. The wine is racy and rich, focused and full, with a long, dry finish.