Champagne Waris-Larmandier
Champagne house in Avize, Côte des Blancs.
- Village
- Avize (Grand Cru)
- Region
- Côte des Blancs
- Founded
- 1989
- Cuvées in the guide
- 13
History The estate Champagne Waris-Larmandier is based in Avize and was founded in 1989 by Vincent Waris and Marie-Hélène Larmandier with the status of récoltant-manipulant (RM). After the death of Vincent, Marie-Hélène took over the business, after which her son Jean-Philippe Waris took the lead in 2009. He pushed through the conversion to biodynamics, which led to Demeter certification in 2020. The team today is formed by Marie-Hélène and her three children: Jean-Philippe (vinification), Pierre-Louis (architect) and Inès (designer), who together shape the artistic vision of the estate.
Vineyards The vineyard area is approximately 5.5 to 6 hectares, divided over 34 plots. The core lies in the Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs: Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Oger and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, planted mainly with Chardonnay. In addition, small plots of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier are grown in Chamery (Montagne de Reims) and the Aube. The vines are old and the estate experiments with innovative trellising systems for better air circulation.
Working methods Waris-Larmandier follows strict biodynamic and regenerative farming practices. The grapes are harvested by hand and pressed in a traditional wooden vertical press; only free-run juice is used for fermentation. Since the 2013 harvest, fermentation has taken place in used Burgundy barrels and local barrels from Avize with indigenous yeasts. A unique feature is the low carbon dioxide pressure of 4.5 bar (instead of the standard 6 bar), which results in a soft, creamy mousse and a more gastronomic profile. The dosage is minimal and often consists of purified grape must from its own vineyards.
Champagnes
- Racines de Trois: The entry-level cuvée, a blend of three regions (Côte des Blancs, Montagne de Reims, Aube) and three grape varieties, named after the three children of the estate.
- Particules Crayeuses: The flagship Blanc de Blancs, from the five Grand Cru villages, with a solera system since 2013 for consistency and complexity.
- Terroir/Lieu-dit series: Limited edition wines from specific plots such as Porte de Bas (Avize, planted 1939) and Les Bauves (Cramant), which age for at least five years on the lees (sur lattes).
- Others: Cuvées such as Les Furieuses (Blanc de Noirs) and La Montagne Sacrée (Côteaux Champenois) show the diversity of the estate.
Cuvées by Waris-Larmandier
Importers
Waris-Larmandier is imported by: Karakter Wijnimport.
Where it is sold
Shops and wholesalers carrying Waris-Larmandier: Karakter Wijnimport, Wijn van Rosemarijn.
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