Laurent Perrier Grand Siecle Iteration 25

This is identified as iteration 25 by the bar code. However the bottles have no strips with the iteration on the neck.

The concept and the history of Grand Siecle

After active service in the French Resistance Bernard de Nonancourt returns to run the house, which his mother bought at the beginning of the second world war on the verge of bankruptcy. Allthough most houses released their very best champagnes as vintage, in 1955 Bernard hat the idea to create a prestige cuvee that would be a triology of three great vintages. As even the greatest years would be either full and rich or classic and acidic, the blending of three top years would create a masterpiece better than any of its components. The first Grand Siecle was released in 1959 and apart from the epic 1955 it contained 1953 and 1952. Bottles stored by Laurent Perrier in their reserve cellars are still perfect today. With current releases there is no official information on the composition of vintages in the cuvee, but a good guess would be 1998, 1999 and 2000 for this release.

Vineyards and Varietals

Laurent Perrier own aobut 100 h of vineyards and have contracted another 800 h. Eleven famous grand cru provide the grapes for Grand Siecle true to the maxim that it is a selection of the best of the best.  Ambonnay, Bouzy and Mailly are prominet sources for Pinot Noir prominent, Avize, Cramant and Le Mesnil are famous for their chardonnay, that in a typical cuvee will pe present at a proportion of 55 % with the Chardonnay at 45 %. Of course pinot noir provides body, structure and nutty, mature flavours while chardonnay from these lime soils gives minarlity, freshness and elegance thus creating a beautiful balance.

Vinification and elevage

Michel Fauconnet who succeeded famous cellar master Alain Terrier does not like the oxidised champagny style and favlours pure, clean fruit. Thus he vinifies in stainless steel limiting temperatures to under 20 degrees. Even the reserve wines are kept in steel. Malolactic fermentation is practiced. While the other Laurent Perrier Champagnes are fruity and elegant, Grand Siecle has an extra dimension of depth and complexity with a much wider spectrum of aromas which is due to the long bottle fermentation of eight to ten years. Vinification is mainstream but the secret lies in perfect vineyards, perfectly ripe grapes and the art of blending.

Tasting

This Grand Siecle has nuances of caramelized lemon, almonds and pistachio  on the nose. On the palate we taste a blend of ripe, full fruit, floral and almond flavors and especially in the second half of the palate a brilliant, mineral driven freshness, length and intensity. Thus full, exotic, complexity meets racy elegance in wonderful harmony. It seems incredibly young and will improve further.

Development Potential

This cuvee of Grand Siecle will develop for another five years and should last at least fifteen years.