We sit down for a chat with Dom Pérignon's oenologist, Nick Lane, to talk champagne with one of the most respected winemakers.
Tatler Asia
Above Nick Lane | Photo: Courtesy of Dom Perignon

Only The Best Goes In

Dom Pérignon's oenologist, Nick Lane, explains to us that the winemaker only makes vintages. This means that when conditions are not right for Dom Pérignon, and due to their high standards, they don't make a vintage. What continues to make the brand such a respected winemaker? According to Lane, it's a combination of things. "Sourcing of grapes is fundamental. We have access to all of the grand cru in Champagne and our wines is exclusively grand cru and the premier cru Hautvillers. An attention to detail in the winemaiking and a certain creativity during the assemblage is also what we're known for."

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Dom Perignon

The Japanese Are Some Of The Biggest Consumers Of Dom Pérignon

"A big market for us is Japan. I think that they have a very developed and refined wine culture in Japan, which extends to some of the more sophisticated cuvées, such as the P2 and the rosé," says Lane. 

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Dom Perignon

For An Energetically Robust Wine, Drink The P2

"With the P2, there's a level of complexity and energy that I think is magnificent. Considering that the wine is 17 to 18 years old, it's remarkably youthful. It's like it has a coiled up energy," says Lane. If you're still not convinced with this specialist winemaker's recommendation, Malaysia Tatler had the good fortune to try the sought after wine twice, once in 2015 and another in 2017.

  

Tatler Asia
Above Sea urchin royale with fennel cream and black caviar paired with Dom Pérignon Vintage 2009 | Photo: Courtesy of Dom Perignon

There's A Huge Area To Explore When It Comes To Pairing Dom Pérignon With Asian Food

The rich diversity of Asian cuisine and the rise in popularity of pairing spirits with Asian food is making it an exciting time to be gourmand. "Often in Asia, once tends to have a lot of small dishes during a meal, and champagne is a light and easy type of wine that will allow you to bounce around to experiment and try out the things that work best," says Lane. 

Tatler Asia
Above Fondant au Chocolat Valrhona 65% with Berries marmelade with P2 2000 | Photo: Courtesy of Dom Perignon

The Maison's Vision & Ambition Is To Be 'In Movement'

While Dom Pérignon undoubtedly uses their expert time honed winemaking skills to produce world-class champagne, Lane lets us in that the company's future vision and ambition is a constant evolution. This means that while the maison knows what they do best and do it very well, they aren't afraid to explore new areas and create new and exciting wines.

 

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