Perrier-Jouët : Belle Epoque 2018

Tasting notes and serving tips for the Belle Epoque 2018 from Perrier-Jouët

Tasting

Color

The color reveals a magnificent golden hue.

Nose

The nose charms with its refined floral freshness, expressing notes of carnation, linden and jasmine. These delicate aromas mingle harmoniously with fleshy fruity fragrances evocative of apricot and vine peach.

Palate

On the palate, this champagne reveals a fine, silky texture. The tasting lingers into a subtly spicy finish reminiscent of Timut pepper, enlivened by a bright vibrancy that evokes mandarin leaf.

Food and wine pairings

This champagne pairs perfectly with a sea bass carpaccio with citrus or lobster seasoned with Timut pepper.

Serving and cellaring

For an aperitif tasting, serve the Belle Epoque 2018 between 8 and 10°C. At the table, opt for a temperature around 12°C to fully reveal its aromatic complexity.

An elegant, floral champagne from the Perrier-Jouët Champagne House

The estate

Founded in 1811 in Épernay by Pierre Nicolas Perrier and Rose Adélaide Jouët, the Perrier-Jouët Champagne House remains a benchmark in Champagne. Owned by the Pernod-Ricard group since 2005, it has 65 hectares of vineyards concentrated in the Grands Crus of Champagne, including nearly 40 hectares of chardonnay mainly from Cramant and Avize. This predominance of chardonnay gives its champagnes a signature floral elegance. A supplier to the Court of England as early as 1861, Perrier-Jouët is notably distinguished by its Belle Époque cuvée, created in 1964, recognizable by its Art Nouveau bottle adorned with Japanese anemones drawn by Émile Gallé.

The vineyard

The grapes for this cuvée come from emblematic terroirs in Champagne: Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Vertus. The pinot noirs are specifically selected from the chalky soils of Verzy and Mailly-Champagne, while the chardonnays come from the prestigious Côte des Blancs.

The vintage

The year 2018 begins with a damp, mild winter, followed by a warm spring marked by mildew pressure. Summer is characterized by a hot, dry climate described as sunny, without experiencing excessive heatwaves. These favorable conditions allowed for an abundant, generous harvest, expressing all the generosity of a sun-drenched year.

Winemaking and aging

Crafted under the direction of Cellar Master Séverine Frerson, the Belle Epoque 2018 benefits from a minimum aging of six years, allowing the champagne to develop its complexity and harmony.

Grape varieties

50% chardonnay, 45% pinot noir, 5% Meunier.