Les Vignes d'Autrefois 2018 (Champagne Laherte Freres)

Cellar for up to 11 years. Serve chilled. Aurélien Laherte is part of the wave of pioneering young winemakers currently making their mark on the Champagne region. His family have been making Champagne at their winery near Épernay since 1889 when Jean-Baptiste Laherte first purchased the property, and today they have 9 hectares of vines spread across 70 different parcels. Aurélien’s refreshing approach to making top quality Champagne focuses on both terroir and winemaking technique. In the vineyards the family has largely adopted biodynamic agricultural practices. In the winery they typically use wild yeasts and oak barrels for the primary fermentation with a very low dosage to showcase the terroir and varietal character. This magnificent vintage Champagne is named "Les Vignes d’Autrefois" in reference to the impressive age of the vines which were planted on four parcels in Chavot and Mancy between 1947 and 1964. Crafted from 100% Pinot Meunier, this complex and intriguing cuvee has greatly benefited from extended ageing in the cellar and a low dosage. On the nose there are delicate hints of toast, spice, and bright citrus while the palate is finely sculpted with smooth, refined bubbles and a long finish with hints of minerality. A fantastic wine to serve as an elegant aperitif or accompaniment to fresh seafood like oysters, lobster or a selection of fruits de mer.