Champagne Leclerc Briant Réserve Extra Brut

Champagne Leclerc Briant Réserve Extra Brut – The Expression of Terroir in Organic Wine

Champagne Leclerc Briant Réserve Extra Brut is an iconic cuvée from a House that pioneered organic and biodynamic viticulture. Crafted primarily from the 2021 harvest, this wine stands out for its complex aromatic profile and the saline structure characteristic of the preserved soils of Champagne.

A Preserved Terroir and Precision Winemaking

The Leclerc Briant House, based in Épernay, applies rigorous principles of respect for living organisms. This Réserve Extra Brut cuvée is based on a precise blend: 42% Pinot Noir for structure, 33% Chardonnay for finesse and 25% Meunier for fruit. The second riddling took place in 2022, followed by two years’ ageing in the cellars, culminating in disgorgement in 2024. The moderate dosage of 4.5 g/L classifies this wine as Extra Brut, allowing the geological character and natural minerality of the musts to shine through without the addition of artificial sweetness.

Sensory Profile and Oenological Analysis

Visual examination reveals a clear, golden colour, enlivened by a stream of fine, regular bubbles. On the nose, the bouquet opens with a distinct spicy dimension, evolving into notes of nougatine and fresh almond, signs of controlled yeast autolysis. The second nose reveals a unique aromatic depth, typical of the House’s style. On the palate, the attack is clean and faithfully reflects the aromatic profile perceived on the nose. The texture is dense, supported by a persistent mineral tension. The finish is characterised by a hint of lemonade, bringing a technical liveliness that prolongs the finish.

Serving Advice and Food Pairings

For an optimal appreciation of the wine’s components, it is recommended to serve this organic Champagne at a temperature between 10°C and 12°C. Its saline structure and final tension make it a technically refined wine suitable as an aperitif or to accompany specific culinary dishes. This wine pairs well with seafood, steamed white fish or matured oysters. Its aromatic intensity with regard to spices also makes it suitable for pairing with delicate poultry or hard-rind cheeses such as an 18-month-old Comté.

Why choose this cuvée from Maison Leclerc Briant?

The Réserve Extra Brut is the ideal way to understand the Leclerc Briant philosophy: a constant quest for balance between the energy of the vine and the technical expertise of oak-aged vinification for some of the reserve wines. It is a wine of character, shaped by a high-quality 2021 vintage, offering a depth rarely found in classic non-vintage cuvées. Its organic certification guarantees a pure expression of the fruit and the chalky soil of the Montagne de Reims and the Marne Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions about this Champagne

• What is the dosage of the Réserve Extra Brut? This champagne has a dosage of 4.5 g/L, making it a dry, taut wine, ideal for lovers of minerality.
• What is the base vintage used? This cuvée is based on the 2021 harvest, supplemented by reserve wines aged at the estate.
• Is this Champagne certified organic? Yes, Maison Leclerc Briant is one of the pioneers of biodynamics and organic farming in Champagne, certifying all its cuvées.
• How long has it been aged in the cellar? Between the second racking in 2022 and the disgorging in 2024, the wine has benefited from 24 months of maturation on the lees.
• What are the dominant grape varieties? The blend is predominantly Pinot Noir (42%), which gives the wine depth and body.
• What are the main aromas detected? Technically, notes of spice, nougatine and almond are identified, with a lemony finish.