Leclerc Briant Les Basses Prières Brut

Leclerc Briant Les Basses Prieres Bottle

Wine Description

Leclerc Briant was an early adopter of organic practices beginning in the 1960’s and pioneered the concept of single-vineyard Champagne starting in the 1970’s. Fifth generation vigneron, Pascal Leclerc started to follow biodynamic principles in 1988, with part of the production Demeter certified since 2003. Today, enologist Hervé Jestin continues the legacy of this visionary house.

Ten hectares of vineyard spread between the Premier Cru villages of Cumières, Hautvillers, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ, Bisseuil in the Vallée de la Marne, Villers-Allerand and Rilly la Montagne in Montagne de Reims and the Grand Cru villages of Cramant and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger in the Côte des Blancs. Leclerc Briant also holds long-term contracts with another 8 hectares of biodynamically farmed vineyards.

Les Basses Prières is from a single 0.17-hectare plot in the premier cru village of Hautvillers in the Vallée de la Marne. The southeast facing plot is planted to 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay with an average vine age of 40 years. Spontaneous fermentation and aging take place in used 225-liter French oak barriques for 9 months followed by 36 months aging sur lattes. The wine receives a low dosage with just 2 grams per liter of residual sugar. 1,800 bottles produced.

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Acclaim
"A rich version, with opulent notes of spice- and graphite-laced nectarine, white cherry, lime blossom and brioche. The expansive flavor range is trimmed nicely by laserlike, citrusy acidity. Finishes firm and lightly chalky. Disgorged August 2018."
— Wine Spectator, Dec 2019
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Vineyard & Production Info
Production area/appellation:
Hautvillers in the Vallée de la Marne
Vineyard name
Les Basses Prières
Vineyard size
0.17-hectare acres
Soil composition
Calcareous Clay-Loam
Average Vine Age:
40 years
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Winemaking & Aging
Varietal composition:
100% Pinot Noir
Fermentation container:
Oak Barrel
Fining agent:
Vegan
Type of oak:
French Oak
Length of aging before bottling:
9 months
Length of bottle aging:
Minimum 36 months sur lattes
Total SO2
35
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Analytical Data
pH level:
2.98
Acidity:
4.8 g/L
Alcohol:
12 %
Total SO2
35
Residual sugar:
2.25 g/L