Champagne Perrier-Jouët has unveiled the 2002 vintage of Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque, the first great vintage of the new millennium. The wine displays the art of blending in the style of the House, developed over nearly 200 years, and in true House style brings artistry and Champagne making together in perfect harmony.
With a heritage that dates back to the first blend of 1811 and the first vintage Champagne of 1825, the only way to celebrate the launch of Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2002 was to invite 10 of the world’s top wine and Champagne aficionados to the legendary Perrier-Jouët cellar for a once in a lifetime tasting of 20 historic vintages. The private event demonstrated the consistency of the House style and excellence of craftsmanship that is now carried on by Cellar Master Hervé Deschamps.
Commenting on his masterpiece, Deschamps explained, “The 2002 vintage is intense yet delicate with a fine balance between structure and acidity. It is truly the epitome of charm and elegance, reflecting the Chardonnays of Cramant and Pinot Noirs of Mailly that have progressively become the markers of the House style.”
Following the famous tasting, Jacqui Small proposed that the House of Perrier-Jouët publish a book, “The Art of Vintage”, an historic and aesthetic odyssey through 20 legendary Perrier-Jouët vintages led by Serena Sutcliffe MW, Head of the International Wine Department at Sotherby’s, historian Jean-Pierre Devroey, author Leslie Geddes-Brown and the art specialist Federico Simonti, with the assistance of Perrier-Jouët.
The story of the 2002 Belle Epoque Vintage
Each carefully selected vintage Champagne from Perrier-Jouët illustrates the hallmarks of the House. The 65 hectares of vineyards classified as 99.2% on the Champagne cru scale are dominated by Grand Cru Chardonnays, followed by Pinots Noirs dating back to 1858 and a small selection of Pinot Meunier vines.
The year of 2002 was a thing of beauty for Deschamps and Perrier-Jouët. A dry year with great maturity led to perfect harvesting conditions and grapes with very high alcohol levels but the lowest acidity since 1988. Nature’s gift of optimal conditions and a flawless harvest brought about a full-bodied, clean wine with excellent structure and lingering flavour. In honour of this special blend Deschamps drew from the most historic crus of the House to express the full personality of the Perrier-Jouët style.
It was decided that the optimal ageing would require 6 years before disgorgement to maintain the balance and freshness of this 2002 vintage. The result is a stunning Champagne with an elegant, subtle style true to the House’s Belle Epoque vintages of years before.
The taste of the 2002 Belle Epoque Vintage
Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2002 is a soft, well-structured and softly articulated cuvée: 50% Chardonnay, 56% Pinot Noir and 4% Pino Meunier. The wine is clear and bright with hints of gold, opening up with aromas of fresh peaches and then revealing floral notes to follow. This is rounded out by citrus notes of grapefruit and pineapple, sustained by a touch of vanilla that indicates the wine’s maturity and development.
On the palate, the first impression is intense, but this soon gives way to a delicate wine with a fine balance between structure and acidity, harmony and elegance. In a year characterised by its strong personality, it is the cellar master's artistry that has created a Belle Epoque 2002 full of charm and delicacy.
Cuvées worthy of artistic celebration
With a heritage steeped in Art Nouveau, the Belle Epoque and the grand salons of Paris, Perrier-Jouët has since its first vintage in 1811 been at the height of society – a symbol of luxury and pleasure that remains the hallmark of the House today. With this in mind, and in keeping with tradition of all Belle Epoque vintages since 1964, the 2002 Belle Epoque is dressed in the iconic Emile Gallé bottle featuring his artistic anemones.
Always drawing on its avant-garde spirit, Champagne Perrier-Jouët constantly aspires to maintain the aesthetic and artistic dimensions for which the House and its Champagnes have become known. To celebrate the first great vintage of the 21st century,Japanese art photographer Makiko Takehara has applied her own unique perspective on the House story to photographs that imagine Perrier-Jouët in new ways. She interpreted each vintage through the artistic aspects that marked each vintage year, turning Champagne into a work of art.
Makiko Takehara comments: “Champagne Perrier-Jouët is the only House to combine the art of Champagne making and artistic creation with such striking success. With its impressive history, having supported the Arts since the House was created in 1811, Perrier-Jouët has a highly regarded artistic heritage.”
