Guy Larmandier, Champagne À Vertus, Vertus Premier Cru, Brut Zéro, France NV

Sporting a markedly floral, chalky nose, this Vertus 1er Cru has a chiseled frame of a brut zero but it is not excessively bone-dry on the palate — the ample character typical of the village manifests itself in a round overall texture.

The wine is firm without being hard, with a great interplay of supple fruit and intense stoniness. Comprising 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir, aged for 3 years on the lees before disgorgement.

The cellars of Champagne Guy Larmandier are located in the village of Vertus at the southern base of the Cote des Blancs. This estate owns 9 hectares of vineyards, all located within the Cote des Blancs and distributed amongst the Grand Cru rated villages of Chouilly and Cramant and the 1er Cru rated vineyards of Vertus and Cuis.

Guy Larmandier established this domaine which, following his death, is now supervised by his wife, Colette, and their two children, Francois and Marie-Helene. Annual production is on the order of 90,000 bottles. Harvest is conducted manually, the Champagnes are aged a minimum of 36 months on the lees and the Champagnes destined for the US market are disgorged on order and receive a minimal dosage so as to emphasize the purity and finesse of this special terroir.