The Laurent-Perrier style is grounded in the vision of one man, Bernard de Nonancourt, who began creating champagnes underpinned by freshness, finesse and elegance as early as the 1950s.
Above and beyond the style, what defines the House of Laurent‑Perrier is its role as an innovator and pioneer in ensuring of the quality of wines in Champagne.
In 1959, Laurent-Perrier created Grand Siècle, a blend of three exceptional vintages that complement each other perfectly to recreate the perfect year.
The Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Iterations 2019
– Grand Siècle N°24: 2007, 2006 and 2004
– Grand Siècle N°22: 2004, 2002 and 1999
– Grand Siècle N°17 Les Réserves: 1995, 1993 and 1990
Grand Siècle is based on a single observation: nature will probably never provide the perfect oenological year
The family-owned Champagne House decided to number the bottles of its prestige cuvée, Grand Siècle, in order to identify the vintages years composing the wine.
Indeed, the idea of Grand Siècle is based on a single observation: nature will probably never provide the perfect oenological year but thanks to the art of assemblage, Laurent-Perrier can, in fact, create it with each new iteration. Going far beyond rare vintages, Grand Siècle is the blending of three outstanding years declared as vintages by Laurent-Perrier and chosen for their complementary oenological traits.
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The essence of Champagne is the assemblage. Yet, it is so obvious to respect this rule elaborating a prestige cuvee: to blend years, to blend grape varieties, to blend crus. Grand Siècle is the blending of 2 grapes varieties: Chardonnay (55%) and Pinot Noir (45%) from 11 of the 17 Champagne Grands Crus.
Grand Siècle is based on a plot selection within a Grand Cru. Bernard de Nonancourt used to say that Laurent-Perrier was choosing the best with the aim of “blending the best with the best to obtain the best”.
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The singular shape of the bottle is inspired by the work of master glass-blowers of the 17th century
With the launch of Grand Siècle in 1959 Laurent-Perrier establishes itself as a pioneer. In the 1950’s – when most houses were making their prestige cuvee with a single great vintage limiting themselves to the expression of one year, and so, to the variations of each vintage year – Bernard de Nonancourt defied champenoises conventions. According to him, the Laurent-Perrier prestige cuvee must have a unique style and express the epitome of the art of assemblage.
Grand Siècle is the name of Louis XIV – the Sun King – century. His reign was one the longest (1643-1715) and is considered as the apotheosis of the arts, literature, architecture, gardens and gastronomy.
The singular shape of the bottle is also inspired by the work of the master glass-blowers of the 17th century. This bottle recreates the hand-blown bottles used to contain the very first champagnes at the French Royal Court. To make a long story short, Grand Siècle is inspired by the idea of a unique ‘Art de Vivre à la française’. Such references call for excellence.
Yet, Grand Siècle is the perfect partner of the gastronomy. This wine pairs with high-quality produce and refined dishes, particularly “surf & turf” combinations, noble fish and crustaceans.
The key differences between each iteration
– The aging is different according to the iteration and the format.
– The vintage years composing Grand Siècle each have different characteristics.
– The optimal drinking period varies.
Left to right: The Grand Siècle N°22, Grand Siècle N°17 “Les Réserves”, Grand Siècle N°24
Grand Siècle N°22 is blended from a selection of 9 of the 17 Grands Crus. It is only available in magnum. It is brilliant in character with a white gold color. The nose displays an aromatic intensity combining grapefruit, candied fruits, gingerbread and honey. The palate is outstandingly fresh and coats the palate with a sensation of silkiness. The finish has hints of fresh grapefruit and honey.
Grand Siècle N°17 “Les Réserves” is blended from a selection of 10 of the 17 Grands Crus. It is only available in magnum and jeroboam. The slightly golden color is animated by a delicate and fine sparkle. On the nose, subtle honey and earthy aromas are accentuated by roasted notes. The palate reveals a generous and harmonious wine with great freshness and depth. The finish is fresh and sustained.
Grand Siècle N°24 is blended from a selection of 11 of the 17 Grands Crus. It is only available in bottle. It is brilliant in character with a fine sparkle. An intense and complex nose of slightly candied fruits, followed by aromas of fresh pastry, grilled almonds, subtle hints of honey and gingerbread. Well‑rounded and developed, the wine brings a feeling of fullness while its beautiful minerality leaves an outstanding sensation of freshness.
The professionals and connoisseurs can access to the details of each iteration and years on the Grand Siècle website www.grandsiecle.com
