🏰 The 2017 Leclerc Briant Hautvillers 1er Cru Les Basses Prieres is a remarkable Champagne, embodying the house's pioneering spirit in organic and biodynamic winemaking, a practice they've upheld since the 1940s. This particular vintage, a blend of 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, was bottled in July 2018 and saw its disgorgement commence in October 2023, allowing for significant aging on lees. Sourced from a small 20-are plot in the Hautvillers Premier Cru, this cuvée is produced in extremely limited quantities, with only 1,900 bottles available. The house, under the ownership of Mark Nunnelly and Denise Dupré since 2012, continues to focus on expressing the unique terroir of Champagne through minimal intervention and low dosage (1.2g/L), often categorized as Extra Brut or Brut Zero. Critics have lauded this Champagne, with Gault & Millau awarding it 91/100 in their 2024 edition and 93/100 in the 2025 edition, highlighting its gastronomic character. Upon tasting, this Champagne presents a luminous, fluid robe of pale yellow gold with greenish reflections. The nose is delicate, initially revealing notes of fine, wet chalk, licorice, elderberry, lemon, and apple. With aeration, it evolves beautifully, offering a complex bouquet of rose, warm spices, wood, apricot, and sweet spices, alongside hints of brioche, honeysuckle, and stone fruits. The palate is characterized by a fruity fullness and a chewy, juicy sensation, a result of its nine months of oak barrel aging. It boasts a fleshy texture, fine, lively bubbles, and a chalky minerality that leads to a saline and elegant finish. It's described as concentrated, fresh, and deliciously acidic, showcasing a delicate yet structured profile. 【Pioneer in organic and biodynamic winemaking since the 1940s, with limited production of only 1,900 bottles for this cuvée.】 🍴 This gastronomic Champagne pairs wonderfully with rich meats like entrecote with pepper sauce, or for a vegetarian option, consider meatballs with wholemeal bread, sweet mint, garlic, and tomato sauce. It also complements steamed monkfish, mushroom and pine nut cannelloni, and classic seafood dishes such as shellfish, crab, and lobster. 🥂 The Leclerc Briant Hautvillers 1er Cru Les Basses Prieres 2017 is perfect for significant celebrations, intimate gourmet dinners, or as a sophisticated aperitif. Its complexity and refined character make it an excellent choice for impressing connoisseurs and elevating any special occasion.