Massale selection, single-plot cuvées, gentle, immediate pressing, fermentation and ageing of the base wines in barriques, and minimal dosage… All this makes Laherte Frères champagnes so special: each has its own distinct character, reflecting the terroir of its respective plot.
Also particularly noteworthy is the preference for Pinot Meunier, which is not as commonly used in the champagnes we have previously carried in our portfolio. Pinot Meunier is also known as Schwarz-Riesling in Germany. This means we are dealing with Blancs de Noirs here.
The Domaine – a family story
The domaine was founded back in 1889, more than a hundred years ago, by Jean‑Baptiste Laherte. He planted the first vineyards around the village of Chavost, now Chavot. This is located south of Épernay, the “capital” of Champagne. Over generations, the domaine has grown to encompass just over 11 hectares of vineyards spread across various sub-appellations in the region.
Today, the sixth and seventh generations of the Laherte family work hand in hand to produce wines and, later, champagnes that reflect them: pure, honest and authentic. This beautiful intergenerational collaboration brings together experience and youthful energy – both driven by a shared passion and the goal of continuing and steadily improving the legacy they have inherited.
With Aurélien Laherte, representing the seventh generation, a fresh wind has been blowing through the winery for several years. He joined in 2005 to work with his father Thierry and his uncle Christian, the brothers whose name the winery bears (Frères Laherte). According to some famous critics, it is only a matter of time before he makes a name for himself internationally as one of the best champagne makers. He is young, passionate and ambitious, yet modest and down-to-earth. And the wines he makes with his father and uncle are simply spectacular. We agree!
The Philosophy – Respecting Tradition in Harmony with Nature
It is important to the Lahertes to preserve their tradition, and they are very aware of how much they owe to the soil that sustains them. That is why they cultivate their vineyards using predominantly biodynamic methods. This is their way of honouring the treasures the land of their ancestors has bestowed upon them.
The development of the plants is closely monitored throughout the year, and everything is done to promote and maintain their health. According to the Lahertes, making good wine is primarily a matter of intuition, as well as listening and observing carefully. It is a task that engages and demands all the senses: observing, feeling, tasting, listening and sensing.
This dedication is naturally reflected in the brand's champagnes, which express the characteristics of each plot and its terroir. This is the stated goal of the Lahertes, who therefore refer to their champagnes as “Champagne de terroir”.
Today, 80% of the domaine's wines are fermented and aged in oak barrels. This is a remarkable feature, as wine is normally aged in large old wooden barrels, concrete or stainless steel tanks. Fermentation in oak barrels is carried out by only a few winemakers, as great care must be taken to ensure the wine does not acquire an overly dominant oaky aroma that overwhelms rather than delights. Here, the Lahertes demonstrate great finesse. A minimal dosage also contributes to the uniqueness of their champagnes.
The Terroirs – A Multifaceted Mosaic
Beneath the surface of Champagne lies a true mosaic of micro-terroirs with chalk and limestone parent material, an essential prerequisite for the finesse of great wines.
The 11 hectares of vineyards extend across three very different terroirs: the Côteaux sud d’Épernay (the slopes south of Épernay), the Côte des Blancs and the Vallée de la Marne (the Marne Valley).
Since 2011, grapes from an additional four hectares owned by friendly winemakers who follow the same philosophy as the Lahertes and apply the same care have also been purchased. These are located on the Montagne de Reims, in the Marne Valley and the Côte des Blancs. This diversity of terroirs is preserved in the respective singularity of the wines and champagnes from Laherte Frères.
For this too is part of respecting terroir: cultivating differences, highlighting individual characteristics and allowing the earth to express itself.
The Champagnes – “not your typical champagne”
Massale selection, single-plot cuvées, gentle, immediate pressing, fermentation and ageing of the base wines in barriques, and minimal dosage. All this makes the champagnes from Laherte Frères so special: each has its own distinct character, reflecting the terroir of its respective plot.
Three Lines:
Laherte Frères has three lines:
- the Cuvées Ultratradition
- the Cuvées Singulières & Originales
- the Cuvées Coeur de Terroir
The Cuvées Ultratradition
The Cuvées Ultratradition represent the entire know-how of the house of Laherte Frères. They are champagnes that focus on the essentials, and whose authentic character is achieved solely by pursuing optimal and consistent quality.
The Cuvées Singulières & Originales
The Cuvées Singulières & Originales are authentic and bold wines with very little dosage, combining aromatic complexity and elegant minerality. Wines through which the winemaker reveals his sensitivity and parts of his personality.
The Cuvées Coeur de Terroir
The cuvées Coeur de Terroir are single-plot or blended cuvées that stand out with an even more distinctive character. Here, for example, we find Rosés de Saignée champagnes. Here finds expression what brings the current Lahertes Frères et Fils together: a return to traditional working methods and a fresh spirit of discovery.
Our Selection for You:
Ultratradition Brut, €39.90/bottle – from the Cuvées Ultratradition line
- Grape varieties: 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Noir from vines around 30 years old. Of this, 40% is reserve wine from previous vintages, aged in barriques.
- Terroir: Vallée de la Marne and Côteaux Sud d’Epernay
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Vinification:
Harvesting the grapes at optimal ripeness, traditional pressing
Alcoholic fermentation in tanks, barrels and barriques
Partial malolactic fermentation
Ageing on the lees for 6 months - Dosage: Dégorgement à la volée (warm disgorgement). 7 to 8 g/l.
Tasting Notes and Points
“Pleasantly spicy and alluring, with fine bubbles and intense aromas of black raspberries, dried apricot, orange blossom, Fleur de Sel and crystalline honey. Mineral on the finish.” (Wine Spectator: 92 / 100)
“The Brut Ultradition allows the Meunier to shine in all its tart fruit. An honest and direct aperitif champagne with lively bubbles.” (La Revue des Vin de France 15/20).
“Luminous flavour profile with citrus notes. Medium-bodied, energetic and absolutely harmonious from the very first sip.” (Antonio Galloni, Vinous: 92 /100)
Jancis Robinson: 16 / 20
Our Verdict:
“A champagne for all occasions with a beautifully golden colour. Great fruit, without being sweet, incredibly creamy and wonderfully balanced. A wonderful classic champagne cuvée that stays fresh for a very long time. Even the next day, the carbonation in the already opened bottle was just as lively as immediately after opening!” (Anaïs Causse and Jens Gärtner)
Blanc de Blanc Brut Nature Non Dosé, €46.00/bottle – from the Cuvée Singulières & Originales line
This Blanc de Blancs Nature comes from the finest plots of the domaine and lets the purity and minerality of the Chardonnay shine. Pure, clear and light.
- Grape varieties: 100% Chardonnay, average vine age: 35 years. Of this, 50% is reserve wine, aged in barriques.
- Terroir: Chavot and Épernay. Fine clay and soft chalk.
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Vinification:
Harvesting the grapes at optimal ripeness, traditional pressing
Alcoholic fermentation in small barrels and barriques. Regular batonnage.
Partial malolactic fermentation
Ageing on the lees for 6 months - Dosage: dégorgement à la volée (warm disgorgement). Non-dosage.
Tasting Notes and Points:
“Perfectly balanced for a non-dosage champagne. The partially carried out malolactic fermentation provides balanced acidity. Pleasantly deep fruit with notes of apple, citrus fruits, dried mango and pickled ginger. An outstanding expression of its terroir.” (Peter Liem)
“In this daring blend of Chardonnay from the Coteaux Sud d'Épernay, we find the natural passion typical of the domaine, as well as a supple patina that ensures a refined finish.” (La Revue du Vin de France 16 / 20)
“Stunning from the very first moment: citrus, mineral and floral notes in abundance in this superbly expressive, finely cut Blanc de Blancs. Crystalline and energetic. The Blanc de Blancs has so much to offer.” (Antonio Galloni – Vinous: 95 /100)
Tyson Stelzer: 91 / 100
“The 50% reserve wines aged in barriques give this cuvée beautiful, very ripe aromas. Incredibly creamy and round, and with zero dosage!” (Anaïs Causse and Jens Gärtner)
Rosé de Meunier, €48.00/bottle – from the Cuvée Singulières & Originales line
An extremely interesting rosé champagne made from 100% Pinot Meunier, in which the grapes from old Meunier vines are partially aged as red wine and partially as white wine before coming together in the cuvée.
Because only 30% of the grapes are macerated and different production methods are subsequently used, a perfect interplay of fruit, complexity, winey character and freshness is created. Elegant and charming.
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Grape varieties: 100% Meunier, beautifully ripe from vines with an average age of 30 years (of which 50% are reserve wines)
30% aged as rosé
10% aged as red wine
60% aged as white wine (of which 40% are reserve wines from previous vintages, aged in barriques) - Terroir: Vallée de la Marne. Chavot. Deep loamy soils.
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Vinification:
Harvesting the grapes at optimal ripeness, traditional pressing
Alcoholic fermentation in tanks, barrels and barriques
Partial malolactic fermentation
Ageing on the lees for 6 months - Dosage: dégorgement à la volée (warm disgorgement). 2.5 g/l.
Tasting Notes and Points:
“Crystal clear in the glass and with a beautiful tension, this champagne bursts with personality. The low dosage of 2.5 grams per litre gives it a certain austerity. Sometimes a slightly vegetal (but not unpleasant) element comes through. A cuvée with a lot of ageing potential, which will have much to admire in the future as well.” (Antonio Galloni 94 / 100)
“This Extra Brut Rosé de Meunier, with its wonderfully pink colour, is based on fully ripe Pinot Meunier grapes grown on calcareous, flint-rich loamy soils. 60% was aged as Blanc de Blancs, 30% as Rosé de macération and 10% as red wine – all in barriques and fuder barrels.
The bouquet is intensely aromatic, clear, fresh and spicy with notes of blackcurrants, raspberries and cherries. Full-bodied and fruity, yet lively, fresh, dry and with good structure on the palate. A pure, long-lasting, beautifully winey and elegant rosé with a long, aromatic finish and lasting expression.
Still young, it shows beautiful red wine characteristics and is already a great pleasure. However, it will improve even further with time.” (Tyson Stelzer)
Les Beaudiers. Rosé de Saignée Meunier, €65.00/bottle – from the Les Cuvées Coeur de Terroir line
For Saignée rosés, the grapes (in this case Pinot Meunier) are harvested when they have reached the optimal ripeness for red wine production. They are then pressed and filled into tanks with the skins and seeds. After a short time of 2 to 48 hours, a portion of the juice is drawn off, or bled off. Hence the name (saigner = French for bleed). This portion, which becomes the Saignée rosé, is then fermented on its own.
This method ensures that Saignée rosés are particularly full-bodied and intensely coloured.
Complex and structured.
The Pinot Meunier used for this rosé is grown in the village of “Les Beaudiers” halfway up the Côtes de Chavot. These old plots are cultivated very carefully by hand. The vines are kept short to limit the yield and give the grapes more air. A terroir wine that highlights the magnificent complexity and aromatic diversity of Pinot Meunier, complemented by a fabulous limestone freshness.
- Grape varieties: 100% Pinot Meunier
- Terroir: Terroir de Chavot. Old plots planted in 1953, 1958 and 1965. North-east orientation.
- Soil: The upper soil layer is shallow and consists of loam and siltstone with pebbles, slate and flint. The subsoil consists of chalk rock from the Ypresian.
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Vinification:
Harvesting at optimal ripeness with strict selection
De-stemming and subsequent maceration for 12 to 14 hours
Slow and spontaneous fermentation in barriques
No malolactic fermentation
Ageing on the fine lees for 6 months with regular batonnage until spring - Dosage: dégorgement à la volée (warm disgorgement). 0 to 4.5 g/l.
Tasting Notes and Points:
“An impressively expressive rosé of medium garnet-carmine colour with aromas of watermelon, strawberries and rose petals. The whole is rounded off by a firm acidity and fine, creamy bubbles. The notes of red fruit remain present for a long time on the finish.” (Tyson Stelzer 93 / 100)
“Offers impressive depth, density and fullness – essentially everything a Saignée rosé should have. A beautiful champagne in every respect.” (Antonio Galloni 95 /100)
“Clear nose, creamy and fresh, with notes of yeast, red fruit, citrus fruits, hazelnuts, flowers and spices. On the palate: Beautiful freshness from citrus fruits and juicy fruit, plus elegant perlage. Long-lasting, silky and lively, delicate, deep and elegant. Still young, but already very lively, round, with a cedar note and a firm and juicy finish.” (Wein Plus)
Revue des vins de France: 15 /20
Our Verdict:
“An exceptional and incredibly powerful champagne that can easily accompany a full meal. Definitely something for connoisseurs, as it does not necessarily meet the expectations one might have of a champagne. Its flavour is very atypical and very special, with a pronouncedly beautiful fruitiness, without being sweet at all.” (Anaïs Causse and Jens Gärtner)
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Laherte Frères – Grands Vins de Champagne – 3 Rue des jardins – 51530 Chavot – France | champagne-laherte.com
