Laherte Frères, Rosé de Meunier Extra Brut, Champagne

Wine Type: Sparkling

Grape(s): 100% Pinot Meunier

Country: France

Region: Chavot-Courcourt, Valée de la Marne, Champagne

Organic: Yes

Vegan: Yes

Biodynamic: Yes

ABV: 12.5%

Winery: Laherte & Frères are based in Chavot-Courcourt just to the south of Epernay in an area that falls between the Côte des Blancs and Vallée de la Marne. In 2002 brothers Thierry and Christian, were joined by Thierry’s son Aurélien who now heads the domaine and represents the seventh generation of the family to grow vines in the area.

Aurélien is part of a dynamic young generation of vignerons making waves in Champagne and producing a fine array of terroir-driven champagnes, adopting a natural approach to viticulture. Along with his friend Raphaël Bérèche, Aurélien founded the Terres et Vins group of champagne producers in 2009, showcasing at a superb tasting every April the champagnes and vins clairs of the most recent harvest from a group of cutting-edge growers, including Agrapart, Chartogne-Taillet and Benoit Lahave.

The family have 10 hectares of vines split into no less than 75 parcels in 10 different villages, although 81% are within five minutes’ drive of Chavot. Aurélien identifies no less than 27 terroirs in Chavot. In order to preserve these fine-grained nuances of terroir they are all pressed separately. Pinot Meunier accounts for 61.29% of all productive vines in the Marne valley, and not surprisingly Laherte’s main champagne Ultradition includes 60% Pinot Meunier.

Soils are ploughed, and no herbicide or insecticide is ued. Sulphur and copper is used against mildew/oidium although fungicide might be used in case of extreme pressure. Use of plant-based and biodynamic preparations.

Winemaking: This is made from 25 to 40-year-old vines planted in limestone clay soil - with 60% white wine, 30% rosé de macération and 10% red wine, all from Meunier grapes. It's a beautiful rosé with incredibly attractive delicate red fruits, a touch of pepper and a saline freshness on the finish. As well as being excellent on its own, its structure (thanks to the perfectly judged blend) makes it extremely versatile with food. A strong effort from Aurélien who has also designed beautiful, colourful and eye-catching labels. Disg. 08/24 - Dosage 2.5g/l.

Tasting: “Rosé de Meunier: The NV Extra Brut Rosé de Meunier is endowed with terrific energy, cut and focus. Readers should expect a taut, vibrant, yet also weightless style of Rosé. Red berry, mint, white pepper and chalk notes are all finely cut in this super-expressive, inviting Champagne from Aurélien Laherte. The Rosé de Meunier is a blend of 60% Meunier vinified off the skins, 30% saignée and 10% still red wine, a combination that works beautifully, equal parts 2016 and 2015.”
94 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous