Alexandra Rosé

Looking back at that spring of 2004, a lengthy period of wet weather gave way to what looked like being a sunny summer. The damp spring fed a profusion of bunches. Bucking every expectation, 2004 was simultaneously generous and opulent. September promised both quantity and quality: the bumper Champagne grape harvest beat all records. The first tests carried out in the vineyards confirmed the healthy state of the vintage. The consensus view among the experts was that 2004 was one of the greatest vintages in two decades.

Next comes the period of ageing, a time for patience, during which the aromas develop, meld, and weave their magic. That process lasts no less than seven years, sometimes more, as for this latest 2004 release, which required eight years’ ageing to achieve complete perfection. As Bernard de Nonancourt used to say: “Nothing should be improvised, especially not wine”. And especially not (we might add) a Grande Cuvée Alexandra Rosé Millésimé…

The maceration principle for Pinot Noir grapes is, of course maintained, but for vintage Alexandra Rosé Millésimé, the audacity goes even further. Usually the Pinot Noir grapes are macerated on their own. The musts from the individual crus are then vinified separately. This time, however, grapes from both varietals, pinot noir and chardonnay, macerate together in a uniquely original approach. However, to achieve that perfect fusion, there is one vital condition: both varietals must reach full ripeness at the same time.

Established in 1812 Champagne Laurent-Perrier has a long tradition of innovation in Champagne and can be credited with many of the ideas that have defined Champagne production since the mid 20th century. Laurent-Perrier was among the first to introduce stainless steel fermentation tanks to the region in the 1950s resurrected the non-dosage Champagne category with the introduction of Ultra Brut in 1981 and sparked the revival of non-vintage rosé Champagne in 1968 despite the opinion of other producers that non-vintage rosés were not to be taken seriously. Today Laurent Perrier's iconic Cuvée Rosé remains the benchmark for non-vintage rosé champagne. Laurent-Perrier has become one of the international leaders in Champagne based entirely on the quality of the wines and core values as a company. Laurent-Perrier is still a family-controlled business and makes nothing other than champagne. The house prides itself on quality and consistency attributable to having only 3 chefs de caves since 1949. Laurent-Perrier's house style emphasizes freshness elegance and finesse across its entire range of champagnes. None of the wines are aged in oak and Laurent-Perrier makes fewer single-vintage wines than many other houses. The art of blending - not just of grapes but of years as well - is fundamental to champagne. At Laurent-Perrier even our prestige cuvée Grand Siècle is never a single vintage wine but always a blend of three complementary vintage years essentially creating the perfect year.