Laurent Pierre

Champagne Pierre Laurent is a family estate in Saulchery. The house lies in the Aisne département, in the Marne Valley wine-growing area. The name is easily misleading: Pierre is the family surname, Laurent the grower's first name.

Family and history

The Pierre family has devoted itself to viticulture and champagne making for five generations. In 2007 Laurent Pierre took over the estate and in 2010 decided to build up a champagne brand of his own. Alongside the champagne he offers ratafia, fine and marc de Champagne, as well as honey.

Vineyards, grape varieties and way of working

The family now farms 4.5 hectares in the Marne Valley, planted mainly with Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. The plots are spread across five villages in the south of the Aisne département: Saulchery, Charly-sur-Marne, Azy-sur-Marne, Crouttes-sur-Marne and Domptin.

In the vineyard the estate focuses on sustainability: since 2019 it has been certified Haute Valeur Environnementale, level 3. This is a state environmental certification, not an organic one.

The cuvées

The range includes several champagnes that also contain Pinot Noir:

• Brut Tradition: 40 per cent each of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, 20 per cent Pinot Meunier.
• Cuvée Fruitée (Rosé): 50 per cent Pinot Noir, 40 per cent Chardonnay, 10 per cent Pinot Meunier, aged four years in the cellar.
• Cuvée Finesse Blanc de Blancs: 100 per cent Chardonnay, released after almost three years of ageing.

According to a retailer directory, other bottles include a Grande Réserve Millésimé, a Brut Millésime 2007 and the Cuvée du Bonheur.

Visiting and tasting

Laurent Pierre shows visitors his vineyard on request. You can taste two or five champagnes, or the whole range. There is also sabrage, where the grower opens the bottle with a sabre or guests try it themselves. An appointment should be arranged with the grower in advance. The address is 23 Rue de Perpeigneux, 02310 Saulchery.