Champagne Laurent-Perrier is one of the oldest firms in the region, opening its doors as Champagne Laurent in 1812. Another widow, Mathilde Émile Perrier took the helm in 1887 when her young husband, Eugène Laurent, died. Naming her business Veuve Laurent-Perrier, Mathilde kept the petite maison alive. Marie-Louise Nonancourt, who was raised in the legendary Lanson Champagne family, acquired the Champagne house and vineyards upon Mathilde’s death. Her son took the operation to the world stage after World War II (via Millesima).
The winery produces a lovely range of non-vintage and vintage Champagnes including the lusty and lively vintage Alexandra rosé, a pinot noir dominant wine with heady aromatics, ripe flavors, and vigorous mousse. Laurent-Perrier’s esteemed grand cuvée, Grand Siècle, is a gorgeous non-vintage wine crafted from the preeminent grand cru reserve juice across three vintages. Master blenders carefully craft the perfect blend before allowing the wine to rest on its lees for seven or more years (Christie’s World Encyclopedia of Champagne & Sparkling Wines pp. 130-131).
According to Robert Parker’s Wine Buyer’s Guide 7 (p. 465), Laurent-Perrier’s non-vintage wines might lack the character that makes its vintage rosé, brut, and Grand Siècle tête de cuvée Champagnes incredible, but that makes them a great choice for blending with orange juice for mimosas. However, the Alexandra rosé exudes ripe raspberries, strawberries, pink rose petals, gardenia, spice, and toasted hazelnuts, adding depth and flavor to the classic mimosa.
