Leclerc Briant

The character and personality of a house like Leclerc Briant is not formed by ordinary people. The five successive generations of Leclercs were real innovators and are considered among the pioneers of organic and biodynamic viticulture in Champagne.

Founded in 1872 by Lucien Leclerc in the village of Cumières, the company moved in 1955 to the property it still occupies in Chemin de la Chaude Ruelle in Epernay. Thanks to the dynamism of Bertrand Leclerc, the great-grandson of the founder and of his wife Jacqueline Briant, the estate also changed its status as Maison de Négoce or trading house at the time.

In 2012, Leclerc Briant was saved from oblivion when it was taken over by Mark Nunelly and Denise Dupré, an American couple who are big enthusiasts of the French 'art de vivre' and fell in love with the nonconformist nature of the house. New owner Denise Dupré kept the old crew and stipulated at Roederer that she would retain full access to the fruit of her former vineyards for seven harvests. During these seven years she would purchase vineyards and transfer them to biodynamics. In March 2013, 6 hectares of Premier Cru vineyards were already purchased. Leclerc Briant produces only 70,000 bottles. They are truly handmade wines. For generations Leclerc Briant has been the epitome of "natural" in the Champagne region. In 1947 they went back to organic fertilization. In 1962 the first fully organic work was done and in 1990 the first vineyard was grown biodynamically. Leclerc Briant works since 2003 certified organic (AB logo) and in 2008 the switch to biodynamics (Demeter) was completed.

In recent years, under the influence of the new owners, the property has been extensively renovated and improved to provide all the facilities necessary to make the highest quality wines; elegant new reception areas have also been added.

Deep underground, in cellars more than a kilometer long, where the changing seasons pass unnoticed, the house's precious stock of bottles lies. Here, 35 meters below the surface, the conditions are ideal for the champagne to age for many years. In one aisle, the bottles are arranged step by step, each with the name of one or the other cuvees.

The winery itself has been redesigned in a strikingly modern style that creates an almost monastic atmosphere. Only positive vibrations are allowed within these walls where a range of containers of all shapes and materials can be found. Each gives its own specific influence on the wines and plays a role in the search for harmony.

Leclerc Briant makes 6 different Champagnes, 5 of which are white.
It starts with the very successful Cuvee Réserve from 40% pinot noir, 40% pinot meunier and 20% chardonnay grapes, with a dosage of 4 grams. This rich-tasting, dry Champagne is always a wine from a single harvest year. The total maturing time is at least 36 months.
This elegant cuvée won a silver medal at Bio Millésime. Awarded "Wine of the Year" in 2017 by Proefschrift Magazine. The fruit for this Cuvée comes from Biodynamic vineyards in the villages of Cumières, Daméry, Dizy, Epernay, Hautvilliers and Verneuil.