The name Laurent-Perrier comes as a result of the original company being willed by owner Alphonse Pierlot to his cellar master, Eugene Laurent, who ran it with his wife, Mathilde Emilie Perrier.

Laurent bought several champagne producers in Tours-sur-Marne and acquired vineyards in three villages: Bouzy, Tours-Sur-Marne, and Ambonnay. He also dug extensive cellars and instituted a tasting laboratory.

Thus Domaine Laurent-Perrier was born in Tours-sur-Marne. The village is situated at the crossroads of four major sectors forming the Champagne appellation: the Marne, the Montagne de Reims, the Vallée de la Marne and the Côte des Blancs. Furthermore, it is one of 17 municipalities which hold the ‘Champagne Grand Cru’ classification.

In 1939 Mary-Louise Lanson de Nonancourt bought the company. Marie-Louise invested all she could in the company keeping it afloat through the turmoil of war. Her youngest son, Bernard de Nonancourt became the owner of the company in 1949 and saw it become one of the largest family-owned Champagne houses. The de Nonancourt family still retains majority ownership of the company to this day.

Thoughout his life Bernard de Nonacourt was an enthusiastic supporter of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs – support which the modern-day company is delighted to continue.

Laurent-Perrier abides by long-held traditions of respect for nature, passion for wine, and dedication to quality. Its most prestigious ‘Cuvée Grand Siècle’ pays homage to the great Louis XIV. It is assembled from vintage years of fine wines from a dozen localities. Long and fine, it has rich complexity showing off the best of its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay component varietals.

The undisputed star of the pink fizz market, ‘Laurent-Perrier Rosé’ remains the number one in the pink champagne field thanks to its consistently appealing light, elegant fruit and delicate mousse. The iconic bottle with its pink foil and label is instantly recognisable.

During my Chaîne ‘career’ I have been most fortunate in having had many opportunities to visit Tours-sur-Marne for the most pleasurable experience that is Laurent-Perrier’s well-known warmth of welcome and hospitality. Greeting one on arrival is a fountain (see photo bottom right) carrying the warning “never drink water”. Laurent-Perrier produces seriously good champagnes but also has a light-hearted side which I find rather touching.

Marie Jones
Managing Editor