Harlin Champagne Les Chemins de Traverse NV

Les Chemins de Traverse is one of Harlin Père et Fils’ most distinctive cuvées, built around Meunier and the rare Petit Meslier grape. The latest release comes from Mareuil-le-Port, where Harlin brings together the clay of La Fortelle, which the estate associates with roundness, and the sands of Chemin de l’Orme, which contribute vivacity.

The blend is 75% Meunier and 25% Petit Meslier, with 90% from the 2022 harvest and 5% each from 2020 and 2019. Vinification is entirely in oak barrels. The wine was bottled on 2 September 2023, disgorged on 13 January 2026 and finished as an Extra Brut with a dosage of just 2 g/L. Production is exceptionally small at only 2,480 bottles.

Harlin describes Les Chemins de Traverse as frank, fruity and lightly tangy. On the estate’s current technical page, the nose is described as intense and elegant, initially led by dark-fruit aromas before opening towards lily and jasmine. The palate is dense and fruit-driven, with relief, balance, finesse and structure.

It's combination of low dosage, full barrel vinification and Petit Meslier gives Les Chemins de Traverse a particularly individual place in the Harlin range. Harlin recommends it with beef tartare, truffle risotto, foie gras with chutney and grilled meat, making it a Champagne designed as much for the table as for a tasting.

Awards: IWSC 2026: Silver Medal (91 Points) & Le Point: 16.5/20

Nose: Intense and elegant, with dark fruit followed by floral notes of lily and jasmine.
Palate: Dense and fruit-driven, with relief, balance, finesse and structure.
Style: Frank, fruity and lightly tangy.
Sweetness: Extra Brut, 2 g/L dosage.