Tasting notes: Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs takes florals seriously
Floral in both its palette and design, Perrier-Jouët’s Blanc de Blancs is the perfect spring fizz
Founded in 1811 by Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Rose-Adélaïde Jouët, Perrier-Jouët has been mastering the art of champagne for more than two centuries. Known for its floral style, which comes from chardonnay’s delicate palate, the maison is also synonymous with the vintage variety, being one of the first champagne houses to produce a vintage in 1846, subsequently setting a new standard for prestige cuvées. Its reputation for refinement soon saw Perrier-Jouët become a favourite among royalty and the upper echelons of society, including Queen Victoria and Napoleon III, further cementing its status as one of the most lauded champagne houses in the world.
It also has an enduring relationship with Art Nouveau – a movement that celebrated nature, craftsmanship, and elegant design – which was solidified in 1902 when artist of the era, Émile Gallé, created the now-iconic anemone flower motif for the house’s Belle Époque bottle, which was later incorporated into the maison’s logo.
With chardonnay being the household grape, its unsurprising the Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs – meaning ‘white from white’ due to the requirement that it be made only from white grapes – is a flagship bottle that embodies the brand’s signature floral style. Delivering a crisp, elegant and balanced taste that see its consistently rnked among one of the most refined champagnes on the market, we sit down with Séverine Frerson – the eighth Perrier-Jouët cellar master, and the first woman to hold the position in the history of the house – to find out more about its tasting notes.
Séverine Frerson
Tasting Note 1: Lime blossom
Lime blossom adds soft, floral notes with a light honeyed finish, reminiscent of delicate Côte des Blancs terroir, particularly from Cremant. This note of white flowers reflects the Blanc de Blanc’s elegance and complexity, and is an invitation to relax.
Tasting Note 2: Lilac
Lilac brings buttery, almondy aromas, evoking a sunny spring morning. These delicate notes come from the chalky soils of Mesnil sur Oger in the Côte des Blancs.
Tasting Note 3: Yellow plum and apricot
Yellow plum and apricot provide juicy sweetness, balancing crisp acidity and adding depth. These flavours arise from the slow and careful maturation and ageing of chardonnay grapes. These fruit notes reflect the ripeness of the grapes at the time of harvest and are further enhanced during the wine and ageing process on the lees.
Tasting Note 4: Elderflower
Elderflower is another characteristic aroma of the chardonnay grape, which is particularly pronounced in our Blanc de Blancs cuvée. It provides citrus and vine peach aromas, offering subtle sweetness and freshness. This aroma is amplified by the traditional method of champagne production, which includes a second fermentation in the bottle and extended ageing on the lees.
Perrier-Jouët champagne cellers
Tasting Note 5: Sichuan pepper
The Sichuan pepper note is a testament to the unique terroir of our vineyards. This spicy note is a result of the interaction between the chardonnay grapes and the chalky soils of the Côte des Blancs, which impart a certain minerality to the wine. Sichuan pepper adds a unique spiciness and subtle tingle to the Blanc de Blancs, creating a harmonious balance with its fruity and floral notes.
Tasting Note 6: Velvet texture
The velvety texture of the Blanc de Blancs cuvée is a result of the fine bubbles and creamy mouthfeel to create a luxurious and smooth sensation on the palate, enhancing the overall drinking experience and showcasing the wine's exceptional quality and craftsmanship. This fine, delicate texture is the result of eight years spent in our cellars after the bubbles have set. This specific texture makes Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs a unique wine. It is a hallmark of our house style, which emphasises finesse and elegance.
Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs Champagne
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