# Cuvée du Fondateur (NV)

- **Producer:** Champagne Paul Laurent
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €35
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 8–10 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apple, pear, lemon, grapefruit, peach, blossom, brioche, toast, butter, almond, hazelnut

## About this wine

Champagne Paul Laurent is deeply rooted in the history of the Gruet family. Founded in 1952 by Gilbert Gruet and his wife Danielle in the village of Bethon, the estate represents a legacy of accessible, high-quality sparkling winemaking. In 1987, Gilbert expanded his horizons to New Mexico, USA, establishing the highly successful Gruet Winery. He returned to France in 1993 to focus on his original Bethon estate, renaming it Champagne Paul Laurent to distinguish it from the American venture. Today, the third generation of the family, led by Sarah Henrich Larue and Jacqueline Henrich, continues to craft authentic, mineral-driven Champagnes from the Coteaux du Sézannais.

## Interesting facts

- Founded by Gilbert Gruet, who also established the famous Gruet sparkling winery in New Mexico before returning to France.
- Renamed to Champagne Paul Laurent in 1993 to distinguish the French estate from the family's American sparkling wine brand.
- Features an unusually high proportion of Pinot Noir (75%) for its price point, giving it a rich, vinous structure.

## Food pairing

The high acidity and fine effervescence of this Champagne cut through rich, fatty textures like butter and terrines, while its mineral-driven profile beautifully complements the salinity of fresh seafood. The dominant Pinot Noir structure also allows it to pair seamlessly with light meats and earthy mushroom dishes.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for the Cuvée du Fondateur reflects a commitment to sustainable viticulture, with the estate holding High Environmental Value (HVE) certification. Grapes are 100% hand-harvested from vines averaging over 20 years of age grown on clay-limestone soils. Fermentation takes place entirely in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the pristine, vibrant fruit character. The wine undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle and is aged on its lees (sur lattes) for 21 months before disgorgement. It is finished with a classic Brut dosage of approximately 10 grams per liter.