Laherte Freres Ultradition Extra Brut

Laherte Freres Ultradition Extra Brut

Laherte Freres
$55.00

Grape: Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir
Vintage: NV
Type: Sparkling

This grower Champagne is the flagship entry cuvée crafted by Aurélien Laherte to express the terroir identity of Chavot. The blend incorporates sixty percent pinot meunier, thirty percent chardonnay, and ten percent pinot noir harvested from organically managed plots. Vinification utilizes spontaneous primary fermentation driven by native wild yeasts in neutral oak foudres and stainless steel vats. The wine undergoes secondary bottle fermentation and is disgorged with a precise dosage of four-point-five grams per liter.

It pours a bright straw color with a fine, persistent stream of bubbles, releasing delicate aromas of stone fruit and green apple. On the palate, a creamy yet linear mousse delivers crisp fruit flavors alongside a distinct vein of mineral salinity. A sharp wave of natural acidity cuts through the mid-palate volume, keeping the texture clean. The structural balance provides a refined frame that avoids simple fruit sweetness. It finishes dry and persistent.

Aurélien Laherte is part of a dynamic generation of young vignerons making waves in Champagne and producing a fine array of terroir-driven wines using a natural approach to viticulture and winemaking. Aurélien took over in 2005 sheparding the estate to become one of the most progressive and dynamic rising stars in the appellation.

The Laherte family has a long history in the region. Founded in 1889 by Jean-Baptiste Laherte, the estate was originally made up of vines primarily in the village of Chavot. Fourth generation vigneron Michel Laherte expanded the family estate which then covered about five hectares. 

The Laherte vineyards are situated largely in the Côteaux Sud D'Epernay, an interesting sub-region sandwiched between the Cotes des Blancs and the Vallee de la Marne, with pockets of soils that greatly resemble these two fine and geologically diverse regions. The vineyards themselves total 10.5 hectares (over 75 separate parcels), seven of which are farmed biodynamically and certified organic, with the rest farmed either 'uncertified organic' or at least sustainably. 

These wines are all vinified in used Burgundy barrels, without malolactic fermentation, and are bottled without fining and filtration. They are then finished with little or no dosage so as to not mask the individuality of the underlying terroirs.