Description

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Founded in Epernay in 1811, Perrier-Jouët owns 108 hectares of vineyards located in the heart of the Champagne region. Their famous flagship Champagne, the Cuvée Belle Epoque was created in 1964 after Pierre Ernst discovered an original Emile Gallé bottle made in the Art Nouveau style in 1902. A master glass-maker reproduced the raised enamel decoration in order to create a celebration of the spirit of this imaginative and decadent age. In 1990, the Perrier-Jouët’s 18th Century family house on the Avenue de Champagne became the Maison Belle Epoque, housing the world’s leading collection of original Art Nouveau works.

ABOUT THE VINEYARD:
The Pinot Noir grapes are specifically selected from two crus, Verzy and MaillyChampagne, in the north of the Montagne de Reims, both characterised by their chalky soils. The Pinot Noir grapes from Mailly-Champagne in particular have an elegance and finesse that harmonise perfectly with the Chardonnay from Grand Cru terroirs in the Côte des Blancs. They enhance, rather than overwhelm, the delicate floral structure of the wine. The result is an elegantly structured cuvée with a clear floral dimension.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The blend honours the heritage of the House style, while emphasising the unique character of the 2013 vintage. The freshness and elegance of the Chardonnay is combined with the generosity of the Pinot Noir and the rounded charm of the Pinot Meunier. The grapes were gently pressed in a pneumatic press and then vinified according to the traditional Champagne method. This wine was aged for a minimum five years in the cellar. A low dosage of nine grams per litre further refines the sophistication and delicate palate of this vintage.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
Aromas of ripe juicy pear, a hint of grapefruit and lime, and delicate notes of green pepper and ginger culminate in a subtle salinity. A generous, lively attack leads to a lush, creamy texture with floral notes of linden blossom complemented by pear, mandarin and grapefruit zest.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Chardonnay 50%, Pinot Noir 45%, Pinot Meunier 5%.