Champagne Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Brut NV

Treat yourself to the richly complex Grand Siècle. It’s crafted using Reserve wines from 12 Grand Cru vineyards, with 8 years ageing in bottle. This accounts in part for its power, richness and finesse. Laurent Perrier is, of course, one of world’s best known Champagne houses. Founded in 1812, it has a rich history. During World War II owner Marie-Louise Lanson de Nonancourt showed great foresight by building a false wall and hiding 100,000 bottles behind it to protect them from German soldiers. Later her son Bernard, in the army, helped break into Hitler’s retreat in the Bavarian Alps, where he discovered half a million bottles of wine. Among them was expensive Champagne that he’d watched being stolen years before. A fine fizz to savour.