Matter Of Taste Masterclass: Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle, Champagne for a King

Since its introduction in 1959, Grand Siècle Grande Cuvée MV—the prestige cuvée from the House of Laurent-Perrier—has always been a multi-vintage blend of three complementary years, each of which emphasizes one of the hallmarks of the Laurent-Perrier house style of freshness, finesse and structure. By blending these three vintages together, Grand Siècle “creates the perfect year”—one better than nature itself could ever provide.

Collectors have known for years that Grand Siècle rewards extended post-disgorgement aging. However, it wasn’t possible to identify which three-vintage iteration was resting in each bottle. But this year, on the occasion of its newest iteration releases—No. 24 in bottle and No. 22 in magnum—the House has begun to include the iteration number on the Grand Siècle labels, revealing the key to knowing the three extraordinary years that comprise each vintage blend.

With the unveiling of this information, for the first time it is now possible to taste through a vertical of Grand Siècle. Only 25 iterations of Grand Siècle have ever been made. The Wine Advocate’s Champagne reviewer, William Kelley, will be presenting six of these iterations in his tasting at the upcoming Matter Of Taste New York, all from magnum, starting with the not-yet-released No. 25 as the youngest and No. 17—with over two decades of cellar aging—as the oldest. He will be joined by Stéphane Dalyac of the House of Laurent-Perrier.

Following these will be a tasting from magnum of two vintages of the House’s rosé prestige cuvée, Alexandra, an unusual Champagne of tremendous vinosity made by the co-maceration of grand cru Chardonnay and Pinot noir.

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