Vintage in Champagne is usually synonymous with excellence for Prestige Cuvées. Contrarily, Laurent-Perrier believes that only the art of assemblage can offer what nature can never provide, that is, the perfect year.
When Bernard de Nonancourt inherited the House from his mother in 1948 he held the ambition to position Laurent-Perrier at the highest level by creating a unique « Grande Cuvée ». By observing nature, it became apparent that a vintage even when exceptional, was not able to reach the perfection he sought. In Champagne each vintage is different, revealing various characteristics and styles. Through the ‘Art of blending’, Bernard de Nonancourt realized that he could bring together these differing attributes and use their complementarity in order to create the perfection he dreamt of.
Grand Siècle was founded upon this unique idea in 1959: to recreate the perfect year, the one that nature, on its own, cannot provide. The expression of the perfect year is that of a great champagne wine that has long ageing potential and over time develops depth, intensity and aromatic complexity yet retains its freshness and vibrancy.
Three exceptional years, complementary in character are chosen from among the rare Laurent-Perrier vintages.
A majority of Chardonnay complemented by Pinot Noir sourced exclusively from a maximum of 11 Grands Crus within the 319 Crus of the Champagne region.
A minimum of 10 years ageing on lees in cellars for bottles and longer for magnums, thus delaying their release by a few years.
Grand Siècle is made with a pinot noir and chardonnay blend, with the latter being slightly dominant. Twelve of the most prestigious villages supply these grapes; all of them classified at 100% Grands Crus such as Ambonnay, Verzenay, Mailly, Avize, Cramant, Chouilly and Le Mesnil-sur-Oger. Within the vineyards of these villages, only the very best plots are selected, as are the finest musts from the pressings. The blended wine is then aged during the second fermentation on the yeast for approximately five years.
Tasting Notes:
It has a bright color, with a brilliant yellow hue. Its subtle aromas of honey, hazelnuts, grilled almonds and brioche, make this the perfect companion for refined dishes. It pairs just as well with poultry and truffles as it does with veal and morel mushrooms.
An animated Champagne. The vibrant, crystalline frame of acidity and the finely detailed mousse support rich hints of toasted brioche and briny mineral, layered with flavors of Jonagold apple, candied lemon zest, spun honey and ripe blackberry. Sleek and racy on the lasting, spiced finish.
Food Pairing: Grand Siècle pairs with high quality produce and refined dishes, particularly, noble fish and crustaceans. Scallop carpaccio with lemon caviar or roasted veal filet mignon.
Grape varietal: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir