LeclercBriantClosdesTroisClochers2016

There have been five successive generations of Leclerc’s, beginning with Lucien Leclerc in 1872 in the village of Cumiéres. In 1955, the house moved to the current premises it still occupies today in Épernay. In 2012, Leclerc Briant was saved from extinction when it was acquired by American couple Mark Nunelly and Denise Dupré, who fell in love with the nonconformist character of the House. They quickly appointed Hervé Jestin as Chief Winemaker and Frédéric Zeimatt as General Manager, two individuals with extensive experience in the industry. Leclerc Briant are renown wine-making pioneers, having been one of the first producers to stop using chemical fertilisers and to experiment with bio-dynamic vine cultivation back in the 1970s, and being one of the first houses to introduce single vineyards champagnes in the early 1990s. Today the entire vineyard is certified as organic and bio-dynamic. In addition, all the champagnes released onto the market are certified as vegan. The Maison own 14 hectares and buy grapes from another 15 hectares, both of which are farmed organic or bio-dynamic.rrWeather: The 2016 vintage was not without its challenges. There was frost in late spring and very low temperatures in the vineyards, followed by a wet May, June and July, which increased the threat of disease. Thankfully August was warm and dry, which saved the crop, and harvest began on schedule in September. Fruit-forward, lush wines with vibrant acidity. rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 100% Premier Cru | 0.4ha plot in Villers-Allerand on the north side of the Montagne de ReimsrGrape Varieties: 100% ChardonnayrLees Ageing: 4 yearsrVinification: 9 months in oak barrelsrBottling date: July 2017rDisgorged: May 2022rDosage: 1 g/lrDrink: Now to 2030rrTasting Note: The nose is clean and pronounced, with high-quality oak expressing itself clearly and stylishly. In addition to crunchy orchard fruit, there is also a tropical pineappley edge to the frutiness. Really racy on the intense palate, which starts energetic but quickly turns into something more mellow and vinous. A joyfully fruity wine, bursting with energy. â€?Tasted by Essi Avellan MW