Latitude is 100% Côte des Blancs Chardonnay from vineyards on the southern side of Vertus. These vineyards are on roughly the same latitude, hence the name, which also hints at the breadth of texture that wines from these sites (having more clay in the soil) tend to offer. In the cellar, Larmandier uses mostly large-format casks (almost all the wood now comes from Stockinger in Austria). Fermentation and malolactic conversion take place naturally, and there is no filtration. Bottle mature for more than two years before disgorgement and dosage at low, extra-brut levels (in this case, 3 g/L) at least six months before release. Despite its obvious crystalline and salty backdrop, in contrast to the Longitude cuvée, Latitude is a Champagne built on textural breadth and volume. Pure and mineral, this offers texture and stone-fruited depth without sacrificing the cut-diamond precision and citrusy, chalky energy that is a given at this address. Extremely versatile at the table, both entry cuvées work with a wide range of dishes, including fish, terrines, any chicken dish (particularly lemon chicken) and most cheeses (except blue or strong washed-rind). This bottling is based on the 2021 vintage, with 40% reserve wine drawn from a ‘perpetual’ reserve started in 2004.
Critic Reviews
93 POINTS
Stuart Pigott - JamesSuckling.com
This Blanc de Blancs champagne is anything but flashy and it might take a moment switch onto its wavelength. However, it has excellent depth and finely etched contours on the medium-bodied palate, the Amalfi-lemon character building as it aerates in the glass. Beautiful balance at the very long, rather rich but very dry finish. From biodynamically grown grapes.
92 POINTS
Wine Spectator
Firm and citrusy, with an overtone of mandarin orange peel and pink grapefruit granita, this elegant Champagne offers a lacy mousse and a minerally underpinning carrying the flavors of citrus, spring blossom and ginger biscuit.
92 POINTS
Wine Spectator
A tangy overtone of pink grapefruit peel rides the fine mousse in this creamy Champagne. It's layered with a subtle mesh of apricot, lemon thyme and minerally brine and chalk notes. Well-cut and harmonious.
92 POINTS
Antonio Galloni MW - Vinous
“The NV Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs Latitude 1er Cru is bright and beautifully focused. The Latitude contains 40% perpetual reserve wine dating back to 2004. It is usually a bit more approachable on release, but this year's version clearly needs time to soften. Today, citrus, floral and mineral notes abound on the steely finish.” 92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
90 POINTS
Wine Spectator
Firm and focused, this creamy version features tropical hints of guava and kumquat and flavors of biscuit and salted almond, underscored by smoky minerality. Light spice notes show on the balanced finish.
90 POINTS
Wine Spectator
An exuberant version, with a fine, creamy bead, this offers flavors of pineapple, mango puree, floral and poached apricot notes, backed by juicy, balancing acidity and hints of honey, candied ginger, spice and herbs.
90 POINTS
Wine Spectator
A racy Champagne, with flavors of baked melon, lemon curd and almond biscotti set on a fine and creamy mousse. The chalky underpinning defines the sleek finish.
90 POINTS
Wine Spectator
A balanced version, showing an interesting interplay between the firm backbone of acidity and the tropical pineapple and guava fruit, with biscuit, chalk and lemon curd notes carried on the lively bead. Subtle finish.
Shipping & Returns
Marketplace Product:
Dispatch in 7 to 12 business days from our Sydney warehouse.
Vintages for Marketplace items are subject to change, and we cannot guarantee the specific vintage you ordered will be delivered. Generally, the latest available vintage will be delivered to you.
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Tasting Notes
Latitude is 100% Côte des Blancs Chardonnay from vineyards on the southern side of Vertus. These vineyards are on roughly the same latitude, hence the name, which also hints at the breadth of texture that wines from these sites (having more clay in the soil) tend to offer. In the cellar, Larmandier uses mostly large-format casks (almost all the wood now comes from Stockinger in Austria). Fermentation and malolactic conversion take place naturally, and there is no filtration. Bottle mature for more than two years before disgorgement and dosage at low, extra-brut levels (in this case, 3 g/L) at least six months before release. Despite its obvious crystalline and salty backdrop, in contrast to the Longitude cuvée, Latitude is a Champagne built on textural breadth and volume. Pure and mineral, this offers texture and stone-fruited depth without sacrificing the cut-diamond precision and citrusy, chalky energy that is a given at this address. Extremely versatile at the table, both entry cuvées work with a wide range of dishes, including fish, terrines, any chicken dish (particularly lemon chicken) and most cheeses (except blue or strong washed-rind). This bottling is based on the 2021 vintage, with 40% reserve wine drawn from a ‘perpetual’ reserve started in 2004.
