The house of Leclerc Briant was one of the pioneers of biodynamics in Champagne. As early as the end of the 1950s, Bertrand Leclerc spread the word about this within his family and put it into practice in his vineyards. It was his son Pascal, the fifth generation of Leclercs, who went on to achieve the first full certifications. A deep respect for nature and for the terroirs has always been of paramount importance to Leclerc Briant. Now all vineyard plots are certified as organic and biodynamic.
Founded in 1872 by Lucien Leclerc in the village of Cumières, the company moved in 1955 to its current premises on 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 company changed at that time to the status of 'Maison de Négoce' (or trading house). This allowed them to process fruit from vineyards that were not their property.
In 2012, after the death of Pascal Leclerc, the house Leclerc Briant was saved from obscurity when it was taken over by Mark Nunelly and Denise Dupré. This American couple loves the French 'art de vivre'. The couple instantly fell in love with Leclerc Briant's maverick character. They are joined by Frédéric Zeimett, born in Champagne, who has been driving the house to the highest standards ever since. Previously, Frédéric gained experience at Moët & Chandon and became acquainted with biodynamics at Michel Chapoutier in the Rhône.
New owner at Leclerc Briant Denise Dupré immediately went to work with the purchase of 14 hectares of Premier Cru vineyards. All are certified organic and are cultivated biodynamically. The annual production of this small house is approximately 130,000 bottles. All Champagnes also have the vegan quality mark.
Leclerc Briant is now mentioned in the same sentence as top houses such as Krug and Roederer. They specialize in the production of 'single vineyard' Champagnes, always with a vintage.
