THE VINTAGE
The Cuvee Belle Epoque 2012 is the result of a year of contrasts. It comes from a grape harvest marked by an exceptionally warm spring, followed by a cool summer that was accompanied by abundant rainfall. Due to the mild winter and warm spring, the grapes ripened early, leading to a harvest that began in late August, producing a balanced and structured wine with astonishing freshness.
THE EYE
A pale, translucent gold, with radiant clarity and subtle glints of apple green.
THE NOSE
Distinctive notes of white flowers combine with white peaches, crisp pears and lemon.
THE PALATE
Freshness prevails, releasing a beautiful harmony.
FLORAL · ELEGANT
Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Brut champagne is an icon of the House, the original Belle Epoque Brut cuvée is 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 Brut champagne have been produced to date.
A MASTERPIECE OF BLENDING
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 Brut, 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.
AN ICONIC, CAPTIVATING CHAMPAGNE
While every vintage of Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Brut naturally expresses the characteristics of its particular year, the personality of this iconic cuvée is clearly defined: delicacy, harmony and elegance combined to captivate the senses. With its bright gold color and subtle sparkle, it is 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.
IDEAL PAIRINGS
Sole
White Peach
Young Turnips
DISH PAIRINGS
Seared scallops with citrus beurre blanc
Sous-vide chicken thigh with garlic, shallot and thyme
COMPOSITION
50% Chardonnay
45% Pinot Noir
5% Meunier
EMBLEMATIC CRUS
Cramant, Avize, Ay, Mailly, Dizy
DOSAGE
8 grams per litre
MINIMUM AGEING
Six years
BEST SERVED TEMPERATURE
Around 12°C