This elegant half-bottle of Laurent Perrier Brut La Cuvée represents everything I love about approachable yet sophisticated Champagne. It's the perfect size for an intimate dinner, a spontaneous toast, or when you want the luxury of Champagne without committing to a full bottle.
Laurent Perrier is one of Champagne's most respected houses, founded in 1812 and known for their distinctively fresh style. Their La Cuvée replaced the previous Ultra Brut in their lineup and has quickly become a personal favorite of mine.
The blend typically features:
What's remarkable is the extended aging - while legally only needed to age for 15 months, this spends a full 4 years on the lees, creating those gorgeous brioche notes and fine bubbles.
When I uncork this Champagne, the first thing I notice is the persistent stream of tiny bubbles - always a good sign! The color is a beautiful pale gold with hints of silver reflections.
On the nose, there's a delightful mix of citrus (mainly lemon and white grapefruit), green apple, and white flowers, backed by subtle notes of freshly baked bread and a hint of honey.
The first sip reveals why this is such a crowd-pleaser. The texture is creamy yet refreshing, with vibrant acidity balancing the ripe fruit flavors. You'll taste crisp apple, Meyer lemon, a touch of white peach, and that classic toasty brioche character. The finish is clean with a pleasant minerality that lingers just long enough to make you reach for another sip.
The versatility of this Champagne is impressive. I've enjoyed it with:
The 375ml format is one of my favorite ways to enjoy fine Champagne. It's perfect for:
I recommend serving this around 45-48°F – slightly warmer than your refrigerator but cooler than many whites. Take it out about 10-15 minutes before serving for the optimal expression of flavors.
Use tulip-shaped Champagne glasses rather than flutes if you have them – they'll allow you to appreciate the full range of aromas while still showcasing those beautiful bubbles.
Laurent Perrier's La Cuvée strikes that perfect balance between accessibility and complexity that I'm always looking for in Champagne. It's refined enough for special occasions yet priced reasonably enough for those "just because" moments that deserve a bit of sparkle.
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