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Grand SiècleRecreating
the perfect year

Three exceptional years are selected for their unique character and their ability to guide the blend toward the expression of the perfect year.

A majority of Chardonnay complemented by Pinot Noir from a maximum of 11 Grands Crus out of the 319 Crus in the Champagne region.

Aged for 10 years on the lees for the bottle format and a few more years for the magnum format.

Three exceptional years are selected for their unique character and their ability to guide the blend toward the expression of the perfect year.

A majority of Chardonnay complemented by Pinot Noir from a maximum of 11 Grands Crus out of the 319 Crus in the Champagne region.

Aged for 10 years on the lees for the bottle format and a few more years for the magnum format.

Recreating the perfect year

While vintage in Champagne is generally seen as a synonym for excellence in prestige cuvées, at Laurent-Perrier, we believe that the art of blending can achieve a level of perfection greater than any single year can offer.

The expression of the perfect year is that of a great Champagne wine that has developed deep aromatic intensity, while successfully preserving its freshness and acidity over time, ensuring remarkable aging potential.

Due to the format, Grand Siècle in Magnum (150 cl) is deliberately aged for a longer time on lees. This additional maturation leads to a further expression of Grand Siècle displaying greater aromatic depth, density and a silkier texture. Since 1959, Grand Siècle has been revealed only 27 times in bottle format and 24 times in Magnum.

The origin of the name

The « Grand Siècle » (Great Century) is the name given to one of the most prosperous periods (17th century) in the history of France known for the capacity of man, through his works, to create what nature cannot. Louis XIVth, known as the « Sun King », by creating the « Château de Versailles » and its gardens, was the architect of this model of harmony, balance and perfection.

The symmetry and perspective of the « Jardins à la française », the capacity to grow Mediterranean fruits (especially Oranges inside the « Orangerie ») in such a Northern climate, creating the Grand Canal, the fountains and ponds with no nearby rivers are many illustrations of this ability of man to sublimate natural elements. The name of Grand Siècle was chosen for Laurent‑Perrier’s Prestige Cuvée based on this common vision to reach a perfection that Nature, on its own, cannot provide.

Grand Siècle Iteration N°27

Blend of the years
2015 (65 %), 2013 (25 %), 2012 (10 %)

2015: The year was marked by extreme weather events. A mild, rainy winter gave way to a spring of contrasts, with a cold snap followed by intense heat, and a stormy summer. The cool, dry conditions in September allowed for ideal grape ripening. The Chardonnays are ripe, with yellow fruit aromas, while the Pinots Noirs are opulent and rich.

2013: A harsh winter was followed by a cold spring, resulting in a late budburst. The summer brought intense heat and record sunshine. From September, the weather turned very autumnal, leading to slow ripening. Harvest stretched from late September to mid-October — a rare occurrence in the past 20 years. The Chardonnays offer natural freshness and remarkable balance. The Pinots Noirs are delicate and restrained.

2012: Winter and spring frosts reduced the yield potential early on. Spring rains were offset by a beautiful summer, resulting in wines of great finesse. The Chardonnays are elegant and well-balanced, and the Pinots Noirs show red fruit aromas.

8 Grands Crus

60 % Chardonnay from: Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Avize, Cramant.
40 % Pinot Noir from: Tours-sur-Marne, Ambonnay, Bouzy, Verzy.
Ageing

10 years of aging on lees in a 75 cl bottle.

sensory characteristics

Eye

A gold colour with delicate and persistent bubbles.
Nose

A highly complex nose blending aromas of honeysuckle, candied lemon, hazelnut, and fresh almond, followed by notes of pastry, honey, and roasted tones. A vibrant, energetic, and captivating bouquet.
Palate

A fresh and vibrant attack on the palate confirms the aromatic impressions, with flavors of ripe fruit, dried apricot, candied citrus, and hazelnut. The palate is long and harmonious, with refined minerality and a wine full of smooth nuances and vitality.

Grand Siècle Iteration N°27 awards

99/100

95+/100

18,5+/20

Wine/food pairings

Noble meat
Noble fish
Shellfish
Truffle

The perfect pairing by Christian Le Squer ***

Red mullet in scales, dill broth, potato gnocchi lightly flavoured with saffron

Grand Siècle Iteration N°24

Assemblage of years
2007 (60 %), 2006 (20%), 2004 (20 %)

2007: a warm spring combined with a mixed summer reveals direct/precise wines with beautiful freshness which will keep over time with Chardonnays with complex aromas of white fruits and citrus and Pinot Noirs with aromas of yellow fruits.

2006: a scorching July followed by a humid and cool August brings finesse and elegance to the wines. The Chardonnays reveal notes of white fruits, citrus and white flowers and the Pinot Noirs, notes of red fruits and cherry.

2004: despite a mixed summer, favourable heat and dry weather in September offer structured wines with good length with Chardonnays with notes of citrus and acacia flower and fruity Pinot Noirs.

11 Grands Crus

• 55 % Chardonnay from Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, Cramant, Avize, Chouilly.
• 45 % Pinot Noir from Ambonnay, Bouzy, Tours-sur-Marne, Mailly, Verzy, Verzenay.
Ageing

14 years ageing on lees for 150 cl magnums

sensory characteristics

Eye

A sparkling spring yellow colour and a fine effervescence that supports a delicate and persistent thread of tiny bubbles.
Nose

A complex nose with aromas of candied lemon and clementine giving way to notes of toasted bread and fresh hazelnut.
Palate

Fresh and mineral at first on the palate with evolving citrus notes. A silky texture offering aromas of honeysuckle and candied lemon. A finish of great complexity and exceptional length.

Grand Siècle Iteration N°24 awards

98/100

97/100

97+/100

Wine/food pairings

Noble meat
Noble fish
Shellfish
Truffle

The perfect pairing by Christian Le Squer ***

Poultry truffled with sour cream and fresh herbs

Grand Siècle Les Réserves Iteration N°20

Assemblage of years
1999 (60%), 1997 (20%), 1996 (20%)

1999: a hot, stormy summer and a rainy September reveal a fine and elegant vintage. The Chardonnays unveil floral notes and the Pinots Noirs are fruity.

1997: a very dry July and a very hot August followed a cool and rainy month of June. The diversity of the climate produced wines combining structure, maturity, freshness and balance.

1996: a cool spring followed by alternating dry and wet periods during the summer produced balanced wines with a freshness that promises exceptional ageing potential.

8 Grands Crus

54% Chardonnay from: Avize, Cramant, Oger, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger.
46% Pinot Noir from: Ambonnay, Bouzy, Tours-sur-Marne, Mailly.
Ageing

More than 20 years ageing on lees for 150 cl magnums

sensory characteristics

Eye

Intense and deeply coloured, dominated by gold and platinum shades. Very delicate bubbles bring exceptional finesse and lightness.
Nose

A complex nose bringing together the three families of aromas - primary, secondary and tertiary - with hints of candied lemon, toasted notes, a light scent of cappuccino and roasted coffee. After a few minutes, spicy, pastry notes appear highlighting the aromatic richness.
Palate

Very silky structure that is almost creamy. The sense of freshness is maintained creating length and breadth weaving together the multi-layered flavours on the palate.