Laurent Perrier – Elegance, Freshness and the Art of Assemblage
Laurent Perrier stands for fruity, mineral and fresh Champagnes whose aromatic profiles unfold gradually over time. To avoid unwanted oxidative notes, it was the first Champagne house to switch entirely from oak barrels to stainless steel tanks for vinification. The result is precise, clear and finely structured wines with unmistakable freshness.
The entry point to the Laurent Perrier range may seem a little “clean”, light and acid-driven to some connoisseurs – yet with Grand Siècle, the house demonstrates the remarkable depth and complexity its philosophy can achieve. Alongside Krug’s Grande Cuvée, Grand Siècle is today regarded as the most renowned non-vintage prestige Champagne in the world.
History and Innovation – The Nonancourt Era
The Nonancourt family played a decisive role in shaping Laurent Perrier. At the beginning of the Second World War, they took over the then-bankrupt house, which still operated under the name Veuve Laurent-Perrier & Co. In 1948, Bernard de Nonancourt began with an annual production of only 80,000 bottles – by the time of his death in 2010, that figure had risen to eight million. Under his leadership, Laurent Perrier became, after Moët & Chandon, the second-largest Champagne house and a synonym for innovation.
As early as 1968, the house launched the groundbreaking NV Rosé, a Champagne that combined structure with vinous richness. The Ultra Brut – the first “Zero Dosage” Champagne from a major house – was another milestone that helped establish Laurent Perrier’s modern, purist style.
The Philosophy Behind Grand Siècle
Grand Siècle embodies the art of perfect assemblage. Instead of relying on a single vintage, Laurent Perrier blends the finest characteristics of several exceptional harvests. For Edition 25, 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir were sourced from nine renowned Grands Crus, including Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Cramant, Oger (Chardonnay) as well as Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzy, Mailly and Tours-sur-Marne (Pinot Noir). This selection lends the Champagne depth, precision and complexity.
The vintages 2008, 2007 and 2006 merge into a harmonious cuvée: 2008 contributes structure and elegance, 2007 brings freshness and subtle almond notes, while 2006 adds ripe, warm nuances. As the wine matures, the concentrated 2008 vintage increasingly comes to the fore – a testament to the longevity and development potential of this remarkable Champagne.
How Grand Siècle Is Made
Under the direction of Michel Fauconnet, successor to the legendary cellar master Alain Terrier, Laurent Perrier is committed to absolute purity of fruit. Vinification is carried out exclusively in stainless steel tanks – even for reserve wines – with oak entirely avoided. Thanks to around ten years of bottle ageing, Grand Siècle gains complexity without losing its freshness. Full malolactic fermentation is performed, giving the Champagne a silky texture and balanced acidity.
Although the vinification is modern and precise, the true secret lies in the selection of the best vineyards, the impeccable quality of the grapes, and the masterful art of blending – a combination that makes Grand Siècle one of the greatest Champagnes in the world.
La Cuvée – The Refined Standard Cuvée of Laurent Perrier
With the launch of La Cuvée in 2017, Laurent Perrier replaced its previous Brut NV. By acquiring Champagne Malakoff in 2004, the house gained access to outstanding Chardonnay vineyards in the Côte des Blancs and to valuable reserves of mature wines. After nearly 15 years of development, a Champagne emerged that offers greater complexity and depth while maintaining the house’s signature charm and elegance.
La Cuvée spends four years ageing on the lees and displays perfect balance between a soft texture, freshness and fullness from the moment of release. It is ready to enjoy immediately – a Champagne that does not require additional cellaring but impresses from the very first sip.
Conclusion
Laurent Perrier stands, perhaps more than any other house, for the modern, refined style of Champagne. With technical precision, innovative vinification and a keen sense of balance, the house crafts wines that unite freshness, elegance and depth. At Alfavin, you will find a selection of the finest Laurent Perrier Champagnes.
