In spite of its name, a vintage champagne isn’t necessarily old; it is simply a wine made from grapes harvested in a single year. Vintages can be considered to be special editions that allow winemakers to reflect an exceptional year’s seasonal transitions, characteristics and effect on the grapes without having to worry too much about how differently from the House’s core range it might taste.
On that note, Perrier-Jouët champagne has released the latest vintage of the brand’s acclaimed prestige cuvée, Belle Epoque 2007. Described by Cellar Master Hervé Deschamps as, “an epicurean wine that reflects the Perrier-Jouët Art of Vintage and a result of a unique and astonishing year, marked by a very mild winter and an exceptional spring”, the 2007 is set to be one of the most sought after vintages of the Belle Epoque cuvée in the last 20 years.
Temperatures during the spring of 2007 reached the equivalent of summer months causing the vines to flower early. A rainy summer followed, which was made up for by some fine August sunshine allowing the grapes to ripen in time, leading to an early harvest and a generous vintage.
True to Belle Epoque’s floral, stylish and diamond cut style, hallmarked by the finest Chardonnays, the 2007 Belle Epoque cuvée is an assemblage comprising 50 per cent Chardonnay from Cramant, Avize and Chouilly, bringing freshness, minerality and floral notes to the blend. The generosity and fresh fruit notes come from the 45 per cent Pinot Noirs from Mailly, Verzy and Aÿ. Deschamps also chose to add 5 per cent Pinot Meunier from Dizy to add ripe fruit aromas and extra roundness to the finishing touch of the final cuvée.
Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2007 is available at Fullerton Hotel, Fullerton Bay Hotel, Grand Hyatt, Shangri- La, Saint Pierre, Flutes, Gunther’s, Tamashii Robatoya, The Black Swan, and Gattopardo.
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