Founded in 1812, Laurent Perrier has become one of the biggest estates of Champagne (5th group of Champagne). Like other widows in Champagne Mathilde Laurent-Perrier developed innovative ideas for the time. Indeed, in the late 19th century, while the soft champagne were very popular, Laurent-Perrier decided to create a "great wine without sugar", the forerunner of modern champagne. Today, Michel Fauconnet, the cellar master, watches over the "Laurent Perrier taste" characterized by increasingly large proportions of Chardonnay, for a much appreciated aperitif style. The house is also the owner of the brands Salon, Delamotte, De Castellane, Jeanmaire ... 150 hectares are in operation, representing 10% of the bottles sold. The label NM (Negotiant-Manipulant) appears on the labels when some or all of the grapes come from purchases.