Laurent-Perrier’s imitable style has emphasized freshness, elegance, and finesse for over 200 years. Through quality, consistency, and innovation, the world’s largest family- and female-owned Champagne house continues to raise the bar.
Grand Siècle, represented by fourth-generation vanguard Lucie Pereyre de Nonancourt, expresses the brand’s unwavering passion for the perfect champagne. Aged for ten years on the lees, Laurent-Perrier’s prestige cuvée offers an unrivaled blend of depth, intensity, and aromatic complexity.
Recently, we caught up with Lucie to learn more about her journey and hear her advice for fellow entrepreneurs.
1. When was Laurent-Perrier founded and when did the de Nonancourt family take over?
Laurent-Perrier was founded in 1812 and my family purchased the House in 1939. It was my grandfather, Bernard de Nonancourt, who took over the company in 1948 with true convictions. And he was a true visionary — with a mind based on innovation, he envisioned a distinctive style that would separate itself from the others.
I am Lucie Pereyre de Nonancourt, the fourth-generation to oversee Laurent-Perrier and represent Grand Siècle, our prestige cuvée, all around the world.
2. What obstacles has the House faced along the way?
In 1948, my grandfather started from nothing: no vineyard, no wines, and only ten employees. Still, he had a true conviction to build something strong.
The sourcing of quality grapes is essential. In the fifties, Laurent-Perrier had to quickly build relationships with winegrowers as they did not have any vineyards. Bernard de Nonancourt personally forged long-term, multi-generational relationships with growers to have the top quality grapes required for our wines. To this day, we work closely with them to ensure we are getting the best quality grapes, enabling us to express our style of freshness, purity, and elegance.
Champagne is a region that traditionally has needed to rely on the art of blending in order to produce a consistent and high-quality product. Because of the demanding and challenging climate, vintages have become synonymous with excellence, despite significant year-to-year variations in style, expression, and quality.
However, Laurent-Perrier has a different vision and a true conviction in the art of blending. Grand Siècle, our prestige cuvée, seeks perfection beyond single vintages, with the ambition of recreating “the perfect year” — something nature cannot provide on its own.
It took a lot of time, effort, and perseverance to become recognized for what we do. Still, we refused to compromise — our approach and commitment to quality is what separates us from our peers.
3. What lessons do you have for other entrepreneurs?
Laurent-Perrier has a vision and strong history of innovation. So I tell my fellow entrepreneurs not to operate out of fear. Stick to your vision, even if it is different from what everyone else is doing!
4. What’s on the horizon for Laurent-Perrier?
Laurent-Perrier will continue to innovate, strive for higher quality, and invest in cutting-edge vineyard and cellar technology.
We maintain a value strategy based on four pillars: the production and sale of top-of-the-range Champagne wines, quality sourcing based on a partnership policy, a portfolio of strong, complementary brands, and well-managed worldwide distribution.
And last, but not least, we’re preparing to meet the challenges of climate change while remaining in line with Champagne Appellation guidelines.
5. What drives/inspires you? How do you keep work/life balance?
I’m driven and inspired by the innovative spirit of Laurent-Perrier and the high quality of our wines. I deeply trust in our vision for the House and I want to be part of it.
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