Pale gold color; citrus, lemon, nectarine, green apple, peach-pear, brioche-buttered biscuit, ginger, white flowers on the nose and palate.
Brut—very dry; very delicate, persistent mousse. Standard mix of 50% chardonnay, 35% pinot noir, 15% pinot meunier. Medium body, rich. Very pleasing texture as the delicate bubbles tickle your tongue. Balanced with length and polished presentation ending in a tart and felicitous finish where the lemon lingers. 12% ABV
Laurent-Perrier is noted for its long and patient management of its NV offerings. Consistent, dependable pours. At least four years of bottle aging and time on the lees for depth and richness. Grapes sourced from more than 100 grand cru villages. This is an example of classic champagne made by one of the region’s premier makers. Laurent-Perrier has long focused on chardonnay-forward efforts, and this is perfectly aligned with that historic strategy.
André Michel founded the House of Laurent-Perrier in 1812 and took the name Vve Laurent-Perrier when Mathilde Perrier, the widow of Eugène Laurent, combined the two family names to expand the business. Eugénie Hortense Laurent, Mathilde’s daughter, inherited the house in 1925 and sold it to Marie-Louise Lanson de Nonancourt in 1939.
During World War II, Marie-Louise ran the business while her two sons, Maurice and Bernard de Nonancourt, joined the French Resistance. Maurice died in a German concentration camp. Bernard survived and began an extensive wine apprenticeship. In 1948 he assumed the position of chairman and chief executive officer of the house and led the way to create the signature Laurent-Perrier style of freshness, lightness, and elegance with at first an emphasis on chardonnay grapes and fermentation in stainless steel.
Today, Laurent-Perrier is sold in more than 160 countries and is the world’s third-best-selling Champagne brand behind Moët et Chandon and Veuve Clicquot. It also is one of the few remaining family-owned Champagne houses.
Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut Champagne NV delivers polish and finesse in a lively, fresh package. Very fine and persistent bubbles provide a cleansing, sensual mouthfeel. Citrus keeps things lively and exciting through lemon-laced, long finish. Works wonderfully as an aperitif. Pair with fish dishes; white meats; salads and vegetarian fare. The beauty of well-made champagne, which this is, is that it comfortably can pair with just about anything. It also is ideal when you just want to sip something uplifting and joyous all by itself. $53-60
