Les Grandes Crayères Blanc de Blancs Extra-Brut Laherte Frères 2021

This illustrious champagne house, founded in 1889, is now under the care of its fifth and sixth generations. Thierry and his son Aurélien manage the property masterfully, with vineyards extending across over 11 hectares on the Côte de Blanc, the slopes of Sud d'Epernay and the Marne valley. A certain philosophy is applied to the vineyard work with a preference for natural practises. Laherte Frères is one of those rare houses still growing some of the Champagne region's forgotten grape varieties, namely Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Petit Meslier and Arbanne which all go into Les 7 along with the three classic varieties. The vineyards are propagated using massal selection and the majority of champagnes are vinified in wood. The élevage is particularly well executed and precise without going over the top. Malolactic fermentation is often avoided. This vineyard produces excellent, flavoursome de terroir champagnes with a strong personality. They are particularly popular with connoisseurs and critics.