Champagne Leclerc Briant

Champagne house in Épernay, Vallée de la Marne.

Village

Épernay

Region

Vallée de la Marne

Cuvées in the guide

35

Leclerc​‌​ Briant is a pioneer of biodynamic viticulture in Champagne, based in Épernay since 1955 (founded in 1872 in Cumières). The house is known for its non-conformist approach and produces exclusively organic and vegan-certified champagnes.

History

• Foundation: Founded in 1872 by Lucien Leclerc.
• Transformation: In 1955 Bertrand Leclerc (great-grandson of the founder), together with his wife Jacqueline Briant, turned the business into a Maison de Négoce (N.M.), which allowed grapes from others to be processed.
• Biodynamics: The house was already fully organic in the 1960s and switched to biodynamics in 1990; the certification was completed around 2008.
• New owners: After the death of Pascal Leclerc in 2010/2012 the house was saved from oblivion by the American couple Mark Nunelly and Denise Dupré, under the leadership of director Frédéric Zeimett and oenologist Hervé Jestin.

Vineyards and Winemaking

• Area: The house owns approximately 14 hectares of its own vineyards (mainly Premier and Grand Cru in Cumières, Hautvillers, etc.) and additionally buys grapes from certified organic/biodynamic suppliers.
• Philosophy: Deep respect for nature; use of hand harvesting and hand riddling.
• Vinification: Only the cuvée (first pressing) is used. Ageing takes place in cellars 35 metres deep and in various vessels (stainless steel, wood, concrete, even gold-lined) for complexity.
• Style: Focus on single vineyard champagnes, millésimés and zéro dosage (Brut Nature) versions.

Well-known Champagnes

• Cuvée de Réserve Brut: The house's calling card (70% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay).
• La Croisette: A Blanc de Blancs from a historic vineyard in Épernay.
• Abyss: A unique series that ages on the ocean floor (off Brittany).
• Divine Solera: The prestige cuvée with five years of ageing.
• Clos des Trois Clochers: A Premier Cru Blanc de Blancs.
• Rubis de Noirs: A Blanc de Noirs from Pinot Noir.

Visits and tastings are possible at 67 Chemin de la Chaude Ruelle, 51200 Épernay.

Cuvées by Leclerc Briant

Importers

Leclerc Briant is imported by: Bosman Wijnkopers.

Where it is sold

Shops and wholesalers carrying Leclerc Briant: Bosman Wijnkopers, Bottle Hero, Cavissima, Christian Winecellars.

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