savoir-faire
Laurent-Perrier, pioneer of the Brut Nature category
11 June 2021
In 1981 Laurent-Perrier unveils Ultra-Brut, even though the Brut Nature category does not yet exist. In 2019, Laurent-Perrier continues to innovate with Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature, the only 100% Chardonnay zero dosage Cuvée offered by a Champagne House.
Dosage is the last step in wine making before marketing. It corresponds to the addition of a tiny amount of liqueur, most often composed of cane sugar and reserve wines, and helps to determine the type of champagne.
We distinguish :
– Sweet champagne, more than 50 grams of sugar per litre
– Semi dry champagne, between 32 and 50 grams of sugar per litre
– Dry champagne, between 17 and 32 grams of sugar per litre
– Extra dry champagne between 12 and 17 grams of sugar per litre
– Brut champagne, less than 12 grams of sugar per litre
– Extra brut champagne, between 0 and 6 grams of sugar per litre
– Plain brut champagne, no added sugar and less than 3 grams of residual sugar
The dosing process was developed in the 19th century. The champagne was very sweet and was served mainly at tea time. In 1889, Laurent-Perrier broke with convention and offered a “Grand Vin Sans Sucre”. This champagne was intended for English customers who loved low-dosage wines.
Under the leadership of Bernard de Nonancourt with his pioneering spirit, in 1981 the House unveils the evolution of the “Grand Vin Sans Sucre”, Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut. The Brut Nature category has not yet come into existence. It is not until 1985 and 1996 respectively that the “Extra Brut” and “Brut Nature” categories are created.
The idea behind this wine is born in 1976, a year marked by a scorching summer. The grapes harvested this year offer good maturity and an ideal balance between sugar and acidity. The conditions are met to offer a champagne without dosage which is pure and perfectly balanced. Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut is based on a specific blend composed of 55% Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir from 15 Crus and it benefits from an aging of 6 years in the cellars. The wine is characterized by its purity and freshness.
« Ultra Brut is not a brut without dosage, it is a cuvée that requires exceptional maturity that is assembled rather than by dosage or by disgorgement. » Michel Fauconnet
Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut is the perfect ally of Nouvelle Cuisine. This culinary movement was born in the 70’s and revolutionized traditional cuisine by simplifying and making it lighter. Supported by Bocuse, Alain Chapel, Michel Guérard, Paul and Jean-Pierre Haeberlin, Jacques Pic, Alain Senderens, Pierre and Jean Troisgros and Roger Vergé, this new approach puts an emphasis on the product in order to enhance its flavour. Laurent-Perrier shares these values of simplicity. Ultra Brut is Champagne in its purest form; it reveals the intrinsic qualities of the blend of two grape varieties without added dosage.
This wine pairs perfectly with seafood, sushi, a white fish ceviche but also with a young parmesan or a pata negra ham.
In 2019, Laurent-Perrier continues to innovate with the launching of Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature.
This champagne is made from 100% Chardonnay, the House’s emblematic grape variety from the best Coteaux de la Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. Chardonnay is the rarest and most demanding grape variety in Champagne. The House carries out a strict selection of the grapes keeping only those which have both a high degree of potential and low acidity. Thanks to its perfect mastery of this grape variety, Laurent-Perrier offers lovers of great Champagne wines an exceptional experience. Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature is characterized by its minerality, its freshness, and its citrus notes.
Laurent-Perrier Blanc de Blancs Brut Nature is a true wine for gastronomy which is associated with the finest fish.
