Champagne Dom Perignon – Vintage Brut – 2013

Description

PRODUCER NOTE:
The Champagne takes its name from Dom Pérignon (1638–1715) a Benedictine monk and cellar master at the Benedictine Abbey in Hautvillers, who played an important role in pioneering winemaking techniques in the production of Champagne. Dom Pérignon is vintage champagne, produced in only the best years. Each vintage is a singular and unique creation, which expresses both the character of the vintage and the character of Dom Pérignon. Chef de Cave, Vincent Chaperon, ensures each Champagne spends at least eight years maturating in the cellar, resulting in a wine which embodies the perfect balance and harmony of Dom Pérignon.

VINTAGE:
The Champagne region saw relatively warm winter moved into an extremely wet spring, with both frost and a hailstorm which had a devastating effect on yields across the region in 2012. Flowering was uneven and the tough conditions required vigilance in the vineyard to prevent disease. However, incredible conditions in August turned the vintage around; the steady warmth in August allowed the grapes to ripen. Some heat spikes caused temporary hydric stress, resulting in more concentrated fruit. A sunny, steady September allowed the grapes to finish the ripening process. Pinot Noir and Meunier, were able to fully ripen and the Chardonnay was both rich and rounded while retaining essential acidity.

VINEYARD:
Made from grapes grown on the most extensive estate in the region of 1,150 hectares. 50% of the grapes come from Grands Crus vineyards and 25% are from Premiers Crus vineyards. The vines are grown in the renowned chalky soil of the Champagne region, which imparts elegance to the resulting wines.

WINEMAKING:
Traditional vinification using the Méthode Champenoise. This cuvée spent a minimum of eight years maturing in the cellars, resulting in a Champagne full of harmony, finesse and balance.

TASTING NOTE:
An enticing bouquet of floral notes and juicy apricot with hints of rhubarb, mint and white pepper. Vibrant and energetic on the palate, Dom Pérignon 2012 offers penetrating tautness, marked by ginger, tobacco and toasted accents.

GRAPE:
Chardonnay 38%, Pinot Noir 33%, Pinot Meunier 29%.

COUNTRY:
France

REGION:
Champagne

SUB-REGION:
Champagne