Founded over 200 years ago, Maison Laurent-Perrier has established itself as a prestigious Champagne house with worldwide success. Let’s take a closer look at this Champagne icon, where the triumph of tradition is seamlessly combined with a constant pursuit of innovation.
Laurent-Perrier: A Renowned Champagne House for Over Two Centuries
Origins Dating Back to the Early 19th Century
In 1812, André-Michel Pierlot, a former cooper and bottler in Chigny-Les-Roses, settled in Tours-sur-Marne and began working as a wine merchant. He acquired two vineyard parcels: Les Plaisances and La Tour Glorieux. His son, Alphonse Pierlot, succeeded him, but as he had no direct heirs, he passed the estate on to Chef de Cave Eugène Laurent. Laurent gradually expanded the vineyard, selecting the finest terroirs from Bouzy and Ambonnay and excavating the famous Galerie des Moines, an 800-meter-long cellar gallery.
The Era of Mathilde Emilie Perrier
Following Eugène Laurent’s death in 1887, his wife, Mathilde Emilie Perrier, took over the reins, continuing the expansion initiated by her husband. A remarkable woman of her time, Mathilde added her surname to that of her late husband: Laurent-Perrier was born!
A new chapter unfolded in 1939 when the house was acquired by the de Nonancourt family, marking the beginning of a new era of growth and success.
A Visionary with a Unique and Innovative Aromatic Style
Maison Laurent-Perrier has established itself as a leading Champagne house, shining in over 160 countries worldwide. This success bears the mark of one man: Bernard de Nonancourt. A passionate visionary and builder, driven by extraordinary energy.
In 1948, at just 28 years old, he took over the company, determined to elevate the brand to the highest level. Balancing respect for Champagne traditions with contemporary innovations, he crafted a unique style defined by freshness, elegance, and purity.
After his passing in 2010, his daughters, Alexandra Pereyre de Nonancourt and Stéphanie Meneux de Nonancourt, took up the family legacy. As members of the board, they continue to uphold the brand’s vision while preserving its values of excellence, refinement, and independence.
Laurent-Perrier: A Human Story Driven by Passion
While Bernard de Nonancourt’s influence is deeply embedded in the brand’s DNA, its reputation also owes much to Michel Fauconnet, the third Chef de Cave in 60 years and the true guardian of the Laurent-Perrier style. Having started as an intern and trained under his predecessors Édouard Leclerc and Alain Terrier, Michel Fauconnet has faithfully preserved the prestige of every Laurent-Perrier Champagne.
The reputation of the house is built on the commitment and expertise of the men and women who have shaped its history.
An International Reputation
With more than 210 years of history, Laurent-Perrier stands as a true icon in the Champagne world, carrying a rich legacy passed down through generations. This reputation is reinforced by prestigious awards, such as the remarkable 100/100 score awarded in 2023 by James Suckling to the Grand Siècle Itération N°26, named Wine of the Year.
Terroir and Climate: The Origin of Exceptional Bottles
Located in the heart of Champagne’s three main winegrowing regions (Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne, and Côte des Blancs), the house is based in the picturesque village of Tours-sur-Marne, one of the 17 villages classified as Grand Cru in Champagne.
A Unique Climate
Champagne, France’s northernmost wine region, benefits from a dual climate influence:
A continental climate, where harsh winter frosts are balanced by significant summer sunshine.
An oceanic climate, marked by steady rainfall throughout the year.
The unique terroir, characterized by bélemnite chalk soil, imparts an unmistakable aromatic purity and finesse to the wines.
A Profound Respect for the Vineyard: A Guarantee of Excellence
Attuned to its vineyard and committed to its environment, Laurent-Perrier is dedicated to preserving Champagne’s biodiversity by adhering strictly to the standards of Viticulture Durable en Champagne and Haute Valeur Environnementale, while going beyond industry requirements in terms of environmental responsibility.
Each Champagne undergoes a rigorous grape selection process, reflecting a demanding philosophy and an unwavering commitment to quality.
A Masterful Vinification Process: A Rare Expertise
A Parcel-Based Approach
A pioneer in innovation, Laurent-Perrier was one of the first houses to introduce stainless steel vats in the late 1960s. The first thermoregulated winery was established to preserve the precision and complexity of aromas.
Since 1975, parcel-based vinification has been a signature practice, allowing each grape variety and terroir to fully express its character in the blends.
A Pioneer in Non-Dosage Champagne
As early as the late 19th century, Laurent-Perrier led the way in the category of Brut Nature Champagnes, favoring a drier style that appealed to British consumers. In 1889, Mathilde Perrier created the Grand Vin Sans Sucre, a tradition of innovation continued with the launch of Ultra Brut in 1981.
Brut Nature, Rosé, Blanc de Blancs... explore the refined world of Laurent-Perrier Champagnes!
Iconic Bottles: A Tribute to Elegance
Every bottle of Laurent-Perrier harmoniously combines finesse and aromatic complexity, thanks in part to a high proportion of chardonnay in its blends.
Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle
The ultimate expression of Grand Cru terroirs, inspired by the luxury of Louis XIV’s reign, known as the Grand Siècle. Each iteration unveils a new facet of this Champagne, whose meticulously crafted blend recreates the perfect year.
Laurent-Perrier Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature
The purest expression of chardonnay, revealing minerality and citrus notes.
Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée
A delicate balance of freshness and finesse, with aromas of white flowers and vineyard peach.
Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut
A pioneering Brut Nature, introduced in 1981, with no added sugar, offering exceptional purity and length.
Laurent-Perrier: A journey between tradition and innovation, discovering the finest expression of Champagne craftsmanship.
