The Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée bottling is 55 percent Chardonnay, 35 percent Pinot Noir, and 10 percent Meunier grown in over a hundred Champagne crus. The wine aged four years prior to disgorgement, and about a third of the blend is reserve wine to ensure the result manifests house style.
This is a zesty wine, direct yet stylish. Its scent is reminiscent of lime and citrus flowers, candied orange peel and lemon curd, and I detect little trace of pastry or nut despite the long lees contact. The pale, moony robe is animated by necklaces of tiny bulles, and the mousse fizzes quickly into tangy, prickly foam. Like its fragrance, the flavors are citric and fresh rather than opulent and savory.
It’s a wine whose crisp fruitiness makes it a good companion to dishes that put a focus on freshness. Try it with delicate snacks, salads and white fish, poultry, and young or fresh cheeses, especially chèvre. I kind of want it with fish tacos.
NV Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée Brut Champagne
12% abv | $50 (sample) Imported by Laurent-Perrier US
Laura and I tried this version of the L-P Brut for the first time on Sunday at a walk around tasting. It seemed more complete, and indeed fresher than L-P Brut from prior years. We both liked it, and felt is stood out among the big house Brut wines.
“Fresher” is a good descriptor. I’m telling you—fish tacos.