A Family of the Côte des Blancs

The Côte des Blancs, south of Épernay, is home to some of the world's finest Chardonnay. Guy Larmandier founded his small family estate in Vertus, at the southern base of the slope, with deep family roots in the Grand Cru village of Cramant. After Guy's death, his wife Colette and their children François and Marie-Hélène carried the estate forward. For anyone hoping to buy grower Champagne online, Guy Larmandier offers classic Côte des Blancs style from a family that farms and makes everything itself.

Grand Cru and Premier Cru Vines

The family farms about 9 hectares, almost all Chardonnay, spread across the Grand Cru villages of Cramant and Chouilly and the Premier Cru villages of Vertus and Cuis. Chalky soils give Chardonnay its precision and minerality. Vertus is also unusual in the Côte des Blancs for its Pinot Noir, which the estate uses to make red wine for its rosé.

Patient, Sustainable Winemaking

Larmandier follows lutte raisonnée, a sustainable approach that limits chemical treatments. All grapes are harvested by hand, and the wines spend at least three years on their lees before disgorgement, more than double the legal minimum for non-vintage Champagne. That extra time builds texture, creaminess and depth.

The Premier Cru Brut Rosé

The Brut Rosé Premier Cru is a rosé d'assemblage, made by blending Chardonnay with a small portion of Pinot Noir from Vertus vinified as red wine. The Chardonnay brings citrus, chalk and elegance; the Pinot adds raspberry, wild strawberry and cherry. The result is a beautifully balanced rosé with a fine, creamy mousse, long a favorite of sommeliers and wine writers.

Why Guy Larmandier Matters Today

Jancis Robinson has called Larmandier one of only two "superior" artisan estates in Vertus, yet the wines remain modestly priced for their quality. For customers of Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, this rosé is a chance to enjoy small-production, family-made Champagne from the heart of Chardonnay country.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Where is Guy Larmandier located?

In Vertus, at the southern end of the Côte des Blancs in Champagne.

2. Who runs the estate?

Guy Larmandier's wife Colette and their children François and Marie-Hélène.

3. What vineyards does Larmandier own?

About 9 hectares in the Grand Crus of Cramant and Chouilly and the Premier Crus of Vertus and Cuis.

4. What grapes are in the Brut Rosé?

Mostly Chardonnay with a smaller portion of red Pinot Noir from Vertus. Proportions vary slightly by release.

5. What is a rosé d'assemblage?

A rosé made by blending a little red wine into white wine before the second fermentation, the most common rosé method in Champagne.

6. How long is it aged?

Larmandier ages its wines at least three years on the lees before disgorgement.

7. Is Guy Larmandier related to Larmandier-Bernier?

They are separate, independent estates. Vertus is home to more than one domaine bearing the Larmandier name.

8. What does it taste like?

Raspberry, wild strawberry and citrus with chalky minerality and a fine, creamy mousse.

9. What food pairs with Larmandier Brut Rosé?

• Seafood: Salmon, lobster, seared scallops
  
• Light meats: Roast chicken, veal, prosciutto
  
• Cheese: Brie, Chaource, aged Gouda
  
• Dessert: Strawberry shortcake, raspberry tart
  

10. Is it dry?

Yes. It is a Brut Champagne.

11. What is lutte raisonnée?

A French approach to sustainable farming that uses treatments only when necessary.

12. What is the Côte des Blancs known for?

Chalky slopes planted mostly to Chardonnay, producing some of the most elegant Champagnes.

13. How should I serve it?

Chill to about 45 to 50°F and serve in a tulip or white wine glass.

14. Where can I buy Guy Larmandier online?

You can buy it at Harvest Wine Shop San Diego, specializing in grower Champagne and small-production wine, with shipping to California and select states.