Although originally founded in 1812, the name Champagne Laurent-Perrier was not conceived until 1964. It was Bernard de Nonancourt who initiated Laurent-Perrier's rise to world fame. One of Champagne's most important figures in the 20th century, he officially took over in 1948 after a three-year apprenticeship at the Houses of Delamotte and Lanson. In his 62-year tenure, production grew from 80,000 bottles annually to over eight million. Under de Nonancourt, Laurent-Perrier were the first House to use stainless-steel vats and the first House to create both a zero dosage champagne (Ultra Brut) and a multi-vintage prestige cuvée (Grand Siècle). Sadly, de Nonancourt passed away in 2010 and Laurent-Perrier is now managed by his two daughters, Alexandra and Stéphanie alongside Cellar Master Michel Fauconnet and has become one of the region's largest producers, they are perhaps best known for Cuvée Rosé, the most recognised rosé champagne on the planet. Since 2020 Alexandra's daughter, Lucie Pereyre de Nonancourt has taken on the global role of Brand Ambassador for Grand Siècle.

The idea of Grand Siècle was born from a simple observation: that nature would never provide the perfect oenological year, but that thanks to the art of assemblage, Laurent-Perrier could in fact create it. Always a blend of three exceptional vintages that perfectly complement each other, Grand Siècle was launched in 1959 as a blend of 1952, 1953 and 1955. One year is chosen for structure, one for finesse and one for freshness, creating a unique combination of power and balance from wines of the very best vintages. The grape juice is fermented in 100% stainless-steel tanks as Laurent-Perrier very much believe in keeping the juice away from oxygen and protecting those floral aromatics. Iteration is blended from 11 Grands Crus. From June 2019, L-P introduced 'Iterations' to identify the blend of Grand Siécle. This is the 22th time the house has created a magnum blend of Grand Siécle.

The current release is a blend of 2004 (55%), 2002 (30%), 1999 (15%).

Weather: 2004: A fortuitous harvest (18th September in the Marne, 2nd October in the Aisne) providing both quality and quantity, the Chardonnays showed great aromatic potential and balance. Pinot Noirs were of the highest quality.
2002: The first vintage of the century, Chardonnays were harvested on the 15th September and 18th September for the Pinot Noirs. The degree of alcohol was much higher than the average, but with low acidity. Chardonnays were direct and intense while the Pinot noirs were powerful with aromas of red and black fruit.
1999: Was a year defined by its finesse (14th September in the Marne, 17th September in the Aube), like 2002 the alcohol was above average but the acidity was much lower. Chardonnays were delicate and elegant with minerality and floral character, Pinot Noirs were expressive and beautifully ripe.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand Cru | Chardonnay: Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger | Pinot Noir: Ambonnay, Bouzy, Louvois, Mailly, Tours-sur-Marne, Verzenay
Grape Varieties: 55% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir
Lees Ageing: 12 years
Disgorged: July 2018
Dosage: 7 g/l
Drink: Now to 2030

Tasting Note: A bright and vibrant pale gold. Intense and lively aromas combining notes of citrus and candied fruits, gingerbread and honey. A fresh attack with a silky rounded mouth feel. A long and persistent finish displaying notes of citrus fruits and honey.

Although originally founded in 1812, the name Champagne Laurent-Perrier was not conceived until 1964. After changing hands through several deaths and marriages, it was Bernard de Nonancourt who initiated Laurent-Perrier's rise to world fame. One of Champagne's most important figures in the 20th century, he officially took over in 1948 after a three-year apprenticeship at the Houses of Delamotte and Lanson. In his 62-year tenure, production grew from just 80,000 bottles annually to over eight million. Under de Nonancourt, Laurent-Perrier were the first House to use stainless-steel vats and the first House to create both a zero dosage champagne (Ultra Brut) and a non-vintage prestige cuvée (Grand Siècle).

Sadly, de Nonancourt passed away in 2010 and Laurent-Perrier is now managed by his two daughters, Alexandra and Stéphanie. Since 2020 Alexandra's daughter, Lucie Pereyre de Nonancourt has taken on the global role of Brand Ambassador for Grand Siècle. The production style is elegant, Chardonnay-driven, pure and fruit-forward and current Cellar Master Michel Fauconnet believes strictly in minimising oxidation. Indeed, Laurent-Perrier are one of the most reductive in style, serving to enhance their fruity expression and smoky complexity. Now one of the region's largest producers, they are perhaps best known for Cuvée Rosé, the most recognised rosé champagne on the planet.

Cellar Master: Michel Fauconnet
Winery Location: Tours-sur-Marne | Champagne, France
Champagne Region: Vallée de la Marne
Annual Production (bottles): 7,500,000