Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2012

Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Rosa Delahaye-Jouet, a young visionary couple, founded Maison Perrier-Jouet in Épernay in 1811. They asserted their individuality early on by making the audacious decision to choose Chardonnay as the signature grape variety of the house, defining an intricate floral style that has been maintained for over 200 years by just seven cellar masters. Over time, the house has established an exceptional vineyard composed of 65 hectares ranked at 99.2% on the Echelle des Crues quality scale. Maison Perrier-Jouet has cultivated the art of vintage since its creation. When the quality of the harvest has been exceptional, the cellar master decides to create a vintage. It is the expression of a single harvest, making it both rare and unique. Recognizable by its bottle adorned by the anemone motif designed in 1902 by Émile Gallet, a master of Art Nouveau, Perrier-Jouet Belle Époque 2012 is the most iconic cuvee of Maison Perrier-Jouet. After a mild winter and a cold spring, the vines bloomed late in 2012. The heat and sunshine of the summer offered ideal conditions for the harvest, producing healthy grapes that were picked at full maturity, resulting in a wine that seduces with its elegance, richness and floral harmony. Perrier-Jouet Belle Époque 2012 is made up of nearly equal quantities of Chardonnay, 50% and Pinot Noir, 45%. Known for its power, Pinot Noir from the north of the Montagne de Reims intensifies the delicacy of the Chardonnay from the emblematic villages of Cramon and Avise. Just 5% Pinot Meunier from Dizy perfects the balance between the two other grape varieties. Dosed with 8 grams per litre, this cuvee ages for a minimum of five years in the house's cellars. This cuvee is characterized by a pale, translucent gold within which glints of apple green can be distinguished. On the nose, distinctive notes of brioche and white flowers combine with fruit's aromas. On the palate, freshness prevails, releasing a beautiful harmony.