LAURENT BÉNARD La Clé des 7 Arpents Extra Brut R19 Champagne 750ml

Winemaker Description 

Laurent & Michelle are grower Champagne located in Mareuil-Sur-Ay in the Valley of the Marne. They are the fourth generation. After a sickness due to contact with chemicals, Laurent along with his wife Michelle decided in the mid 2000's to start a new label called Champagne Laurent Benard. The new winery will focus on farming in biodynamie, craft vintage designated and long solera non vintage with little no added sulfites sparkling wines. They started with 2.5ha out of the 8ha they own. The soil is predominantly chalky. The vines are on average 35 years old and planted with Pinot Meunier, then Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 

Laurent is a well known researcher in the microcosme of wine, he has done extensive studies about yeasts at the C.N.R.S. (National Scientific Research Center). Therefore, the first fermentation is carried out with wild yeasts in oak. The wine is bottled 10 months later and the second fermentation is done with in-house cultured yeasts from Laurent’s vineyards. The wines age on the lees for a period of 3 years minimum. Depending on the vintage, the cuvees and the balance, Laurent decides of his dosage. Each one is different but never goes above Extra-Brut level. 

The blend of Pinot Meunier, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir shines in this Mareuil-sur-Ay chalky terroir. The wines of Laurent and Michelle are with definite personality, ripe flavors leaning on the oxidative sides, firm and persistent texture, saline finishes. Since 2020, Charles, their son, has joined the team and been step by step in charge of the biodynamic farming and winemaking.