rating A+
standout arguably the best pink champagne plus the multi-vintage La Grande Siècle
about the story of Laurent-Perrier is an example of the turbulence of Champagne. The winery goes back to 1812, although it has undergone varied ownership since then. By the end of the Second World War, the producer was considered the 98th best in Champagne; now, it is undoubtedly one of the best. It has been owned by the Nonancourt family since 1939; Bernard Nonancourt, who died in 2010, was responsible for the uptick in quality. Now his daughters Alexandra and Stéphanie are in charge, alongside longstanding winemaker Michel Fauconnet.
wines tasted
“La Cuvée” Brut NV ($60)
"La Cuvée" is the introduction to the Laurent-Perrier range. It's sourced from over 100 villages, the varied wines stored, blended, and aged in the new, up-to-date winery facilities. Chardonnay dominant, it's aged for around four years on the lees before release. A perfect example of how champagne can be fresh, lightly fruity, and approachable yet complex.
Ultra Brut NV ($75+)
There are different expressions for champagne with no dosage, that is no sugar added: brut nature, sauvage, non dosé, or zero dosage for example. Laurent-Perrier has its own term, Ultra Brut, which conveys the concept of a completely dry wine. This means the acidity is noticeably racy, balanced by a weighty, fruity palate and four years on the lees. This was one of the first champagnes I fell in love with, and with good reason.
Rosé Brut NV ($80+)
Arguably one of the greatest rosé champagnes, if not the greatest. Rosé is a style that wasn't always taken seriously, though it is much more fashionable now, but Laurent-Perrier has long been known for the quality and seriousness of its rosé. The wine spends five years on the lees for a toasty, spicy complexity, balanced by vibrant acidity. The unusual bottle shape allows the wine to develop further in the bottle—a wine that's irresistible now but will continue to age.
La Grande Siècle MV ($160+)
Laurent-Perrier’s préstige cuvée, usually modelled on three vintages dating back twenty years. The style is consistent: elegant, mature, yet very fresh, sophisticated, and complex.
Cuvée Alexandra Rosé 2004 ($350+)
First released in 1987; the 2004 is the eighth vintage. 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay, which are co-fermented. All Grand Cru vineyards: Pinot Noir from Ambonnay, Mailly, Verzenay and Chardonnay from Avize, Cramant, and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Aged for at least ten years. There’s a richness to the wine which comes from the fruit, lees ageing, and bottle maturity, balanced by acidity from the Chardonnay. Elegant, powerful, and charming, and about as good as pink champagne gets. (Tasted from magnum.)
website https://www.laurent-perrier.com/en/
phone +33 3 26 58 91 22
address Tours-ses-Marnes
