16 Jul 2021
Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque is an icon of the House, the original Belle Epoque cuvée to appear adorned with the legendary spray of Japanese white anemones created by Emile Gallé in 1902. Produced only in years when, in the judgment of Cellar Master Hervé Deschamps, the seasons have aligned perfectly, it is a captivating demonstration, not only of the art of blending, but also of the exceptional quality of the Perrier-Jouët vineyard. Testifying to the rarity of this cuvée, less than 30 vintages of Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque have been produced to date.
Though Maison Perrier-Jouët is famed for its Chardonnay vineyards, it also possesses exceptional plots of Pinot Noir – a fact magnificently demonstrated by Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque, which combines the two grape varieties in almost equal proportions. This outstanding vintage cuvée is also a supreme example of the art of blending in the Perrier-Jouët style, with Pinot Noir grapes from the north of the Montagne de Reims being used, not for their power, but in order to support, accompany and enhance the delicate structure of Chardonnay from the celebrated Grand Cru villages of Cramant and Avize. A small quantity of Pinot Meunier grapes from Dizy perfects the balance between the two.
While every vintage of Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque naturally expresses the characteristics of its particular year, the personality of this iconic cuvée is clearly defined: delicacy, harmony and elegance combine to captivate the senses, with its bright gold colour and subtle sparkle an inviting prelude to rich nuances of white flowers and white-fleshed fruit, rounded out by delicious notes of honey. A long, expansive finish testifies to the rare quality of this exceptional champagne.
The year 2013 was characterised by a cold winter and a cool, wet spring, which resulted in the vines flowering more than two weeks later than average, in the first days of July. The month of July was hot, dry and sunny, though marred by several violent thunderstorms, while August was cooler but equally sunny. Autumn brought favourable conditions up until the harvest, which began on 30 September. The grapes attained full maturity with a good balance of alcohol and acidity, resulting in a wine of finesse and character with significant potential for ageing.
