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.

The current release is a blend of 2006 – 60% | 2004 – 25% | 2002 – 15%
From June 2019, new releases of Laurent-Perrier Grande Siecle MV will be labelled by Iteration. The current new release is Iteration 24. This iteration is 23.

Technical Information:
Vineyards: 100% Grand Cru | Chardonnay: Avize, Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger | Pinot Noir: Ambonnay, Bouzy, Louvois, Mailly, Tours-sur-Marne, Verzenay
Grape Varieties: 55% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir
Lees Ageing: 8 years
Dosage: 6 g/l
Drink: Now to 2030

Tasting Note: This has an intense nose with floral hints, lots of perfumed rose character and Turkish delight notes. Once it has had a few minutes in the glass, more flavours of brioche, grilled almonds and honey emerge. This Grand Siècle is refined, light and delicate and will live for decades.