Champagne Laherte Frères Rosé de Meunier Extra Brut NV

Winemaking

Champagne Laherte Frères is a grower-producer based in Chavot-Courcourt in the Côte des Blancs, now guided by Aurélien Laherte, who has become one of the most respected voices in the récoltant-manipulant movement. Aurélien converted the estate to organic and biodynamic farming and brings a minimalist approach to the cellar — low dosage, native yeasts, and minimal sulfur — letting the character of the vineyards speak without interference.

Tasting Notes

This is a genuinely lovely rosé Champagne built entirely around Meunier, a grape that rarely gets to take a solo bow, and it makes a compelling case for itself here. The nose is fresh and expressive — wild strawberry, a touch of dried rose petal, and just enough toasted brioche to remind you this is Champagne. On the palate, fine, persistent bubbles carry flavors of cherry and red currant alongside a gentle nuttiness, while the Extra Brut dosage keeps everything taut and precise rather than sweet. The finish lingers with a stony, chalky minerality that gives the wine real energy and length.

Producer

The Laherte family has been farming vines in the Marne Valley and Côte des Blancs for multiple generations, working a modest but carefully tended collection of parcels across several villages. The estate has embraced certified organic and biodynamic practices in the vineyard, a meaningful commitment in a region where conventional farming remains the norm. What distinguishes Laherte Frères within Champagne is their genuine focus on terroir expression and single-varietal or parcel-specific cuvées at a time when blending for consistency still dominates the appellation.

Terroir

The vineyards that feed this cuvée draw from the Marne Valley, where Meunier has long thrived in the heavier, clay-rich soils that the variety handles better than Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. This is a cooler, more continental part of the Champagne appellation, and that climate lends a natural freshness and bright acidity to the fruit. Beneath the topsoil lies the region's signature Belemnite chalk, which drains well, moderates vine stress, and contributes the mineral backbone that shows clearly in the wine's finish.

Food Pairings

The wine's bright red fruit and chalky finish make it an excellent match for pan-seared duck breast finished with a cherry and shallot reduction — the wine's acidity cuts through the richness beautifully. For something more casual, it's wonderful alongside a charcuterie spread of jambon de pays, cornichons, and a soft, bloomy-rind cheese like Brie de Meaux. If you're in a lighter mood, try it with a simple butter-poached lobster or a cold seafood tower — the mineral edge and fine bubbles are tailor-made for it.