Champagne Leclerc Briant Abyss 2019: Underwater-Aged Champagne Now at 305 Wines Miami
Champagne Leclerc Briant Abyss 2019: Underwater-Aged Champagne Now at 305 Wines Miami
Looking for Champagne Leclerc Briant Abyss Brut Nature Millésime 2019 in Miami? This unusual Champagne is now listed at 305 Wines, our independent fine wine and sake shop in Miami, Florida.
Most Champagnes spend their entire maturation in the cool, quiet cellars of the Champagne region. Leclerc Briant takes a different approach. Its Abyss cuvée completes part of its aging process beneath the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 60 meters below the surface, off the coast of Brittany, France.
The result is a Champagne that brings together traditional winemaking, biodynamic principles, and an intriguing experiment in underwater maturation.
What Makes Leclerc Briant Abyss 2019 Special?
Founded in 1872, Champagne Leclerc Briant is based in Épernay and is recognized for its commitment to organic and biodynamic viticulture.
Under the direction of winemaker Hervé Jestin, the house has explored different approaches to winemaking and maturation, with Abyss becoming one of its most distinctive projects.
The idea behind Abyss was inspired in part by the discovery of remarkably well-preserved Champagne bottles recovered from a historic shipwreck in the Baltic Sea.
Rather than simply recreating the conditions of a traditional cellar, Leclerc Briant decided to explore what happens when Champagne matures in the ocean.
After spending several years aging on its lees in Champagne, Abyss 2019 was submerged off the island of Ouessant, near the western coast of Brittany, for approximately one year.
At this depth, the bottles experience consistent temperatures, almost complete darkness, significant underwater pressure, and the gentle, continuous movement of the Atlantic tides.
The goal is not to introduce seawater into the Champagne, but to explore how these unusual conditions may influence its evolution, texture, and expression.
The 2019 Vintage: Three Traditional Champagne Grapes
Abyss 2019 is produced from an equal blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Meunier, the three principal grape varieties of Champagne.
The Chardonnay contributes freshness and citrus character, while Pinot Noir brings structure and depth. Meunier adds fruit and roundness.
The 2019 growing season produced wines with ripe fruit and good concentration, balanced by the acidity needed for extended maturation.
Before its underwater aging, the Champagne spent approximately 46 months on its lees, developing additional complexity and texture.
Abyss 2019 is a Brut Nature Champagne, meaning no sugar is added during the dosage process.
This allows the character of the wine to remain particularly clear, with freshness, chalky minerality, and a saline impression at the forefront.
What Does Leclerc Briant Abyss 2019 Taste Like?
Abyss 2019 opens with aromas of ripe apple, pear, lemon, and subtle floral notes, followed by suggestions of wet stone and sea spray.
On the palate, the Champagne combines the richness of the 2019 vintage with bright acidity, a fine mousse, and a distinctive chalky, saline finish.
Despite being Brut Nature, it does not feel excessively austere. The natural concentration of the fruit provides balance and texture.
What makes this Champagne particularly interesting is the contrast between its ripe fruit character and its precise, mineral-driven finish.
There is also an important distinction worth making: the saline character does not mean the Champagne tastes of seawater. It is part of the wine's sensory profile, while the underwater maturation provides a different environment for its final development.
What Food Pairs with Leclerc Briant Abyss 2019?
With its dry profile, freshness, and pronounced mineral character, Abyss 2019 is particularly well suited to seafood.
Fresh oysters, scallops, caviar, lobster, and grilled langoustines are excellent choices. It also pairs well with sashimi, sushi, and delicate white fish.
For a more substantial dish, consider roasted turbot or sea bass with a light butter sauce.
I recommend serving Abyss around 48–52°F (9–11°C), preferably in a tulip-shaped Champagne glass or a white wine glass rather than a narrow flute. This allows the aromas and texture to develop more fully.
How Much Is Leclerc Briant Abyss 2019?
At the time of writing, Champagne Leclerc Briant Abyss Brut Nature Millésime 2019 is listed at $209.97 at 305 Wines, compared with its regular listed price of $240.
This is a distinctive Champagne for collectors, Champagne enthusiasts, and anyone interested in discovering how different maturation conditions can influence the expression of a wine.
Beyond its unusual underwater aging, Abyss remains a serious vintage Champagne, with the freshness, structure, and complexity expected from Leclerc Briant.
Where Can I Buy Leclerc Briant Abyss 2019 in Miami?
Champagne Leclerc Briant Abyss Brut Nature Millésime 2019 is listed at 305 Wines in Miami, Florida.
You can check availability and purchase online for shipping or pickup at our Miami wine shop.
Champagne Leclerc Briant Abyss Brut Nature Millésime 2019
750ml
$209.97
Shop Leclerc Briant Abyss 2019 at 305 Wines
Availability may be limited.
At 305 Wines, we select Champagnes that offer more than a familiar label. Abyss 2019 is an opportunity to discover a different side of Champagne, where an established winemaking tradition meets a genuinely unconventional approach to maturation.
Alessandra Esteves, DipWSET
305 Wines | Miami, Florida