The Vintage is the choice of an exceptional year from which only a selection of the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Grands Crus will enter into a future iteration of Grand Siècle. It is a rare and outstanding wine that expresses the character of the year in the Laurent-Perrier style.
THE VINTAGE
The year 2012 was characterized by successive climatic incidents. Firstly there was the winter frost that made the vine more sensitive. Then came the spring frost as well as a dozen hail storms, causing considerable damage and affecting many areas of the vineyard. Finally a violent thunderstorm accompanied by strong hail broke out on the 7th of June and destroyed large land areas in the surrounding villages. In spite of these climatic incidents the dry, sunny summer allowed for an exceptional ripening of the grapes.
TASTING NOTES
On the eye: The wine is white gold in color with a fine sparkle.
On the nose: A flowery nose of great complexity, with notes of citrus and white peaches.
On the palate: A wine that is very present with a lively attack and great finesse with good minerality and notes of grapefruit on the finish.
PAIRING
The Vintage 2012 pairs well with seafood and noble fish as well as with poultry or veal. This wine sublimates hard pressed cheeses such as a young Comté or a Beaufort.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Varietals: 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir
Appellation: Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs: Chouilly, Cramant, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Oger. Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims: Ay, Verzy, Mailly, Rilly-la-Montagne and Bouzy.