Champagne Laurent-Perrier
Tours-sur-Marne, France
Cradled by vineyards at the point where three of Champagne's principal growing areas converge, Tours-sur-Marne is a Grand Cru village – and Laurent-Perrier is the glittering jewel in its crown. Established in 1812 and owned by the de Nonancourt family since 1939, the historic maison has spent much of the past century causing frissons in the world of wine with an ingenious succession of innovations. For example, in 1959, it introduced Grand Siècle, a prestige cuvée blending three exceptional vintages in pursuit of the 'perfect year'; and in 1968, it launched the groundbreaking Cuvée Rosé, a vivacious pour that helped turn rosé champagne into a sensation. The maison's pioneering spirit extends beyond the bottle, too: the pièce de résistance of its Grand Siècle Winery is a futuristic, nave-like vat room where stainless-steel tanks stand sentry along a central aisle. Similarly minimalist is the tasting room, where tours culminate – a monochrome mix of silver and black, it throws the scintillating contents of each glass into stark contrast with their spartan surroundings.
Key Information
- Opening times: Visits by prior arrangement
- Signature wine: Grand Siècle
- Wines produced: Champagne
- Grape varieties: Chardonnay, pinot noir, meunier
- Time from airport: 40 mins from Châlons Vatry Airport; 2 hours from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport
- Visit Champagne Laurent-Perrier's website
Location
32 Av. de Champagne, Tours-sur-Marne, 51150
