Why Laurent-Perrier’s sublime Alexandra Rosé is the rarest gem

Champagne is often noted for its rare and exclusive cuvées but few are as difficult to achieve as Laurent-Perrier Alexandra Rosé, which explains why in almost half a century there have only been 10 examples produced. Half of this number were tasted by Simon Field MW in an exclusive audience with chef de caves, Olivier Vigneron and fourth-generation family member Lucie Pereyre de Nonancourt, the former explaining to Field the complexity of the production and why it is, in essence, an ‘alignment of the stars’ with little room for error. The maceration method, pure, as practised by Laurent-Perrier, is exceptionally tricky to master, but the very fact that it eschews artifice or an ‘easy option’ makes for some exceptional wines as Field explains.