Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2014
A centuries-old house famous for its beautiful (and beautifully bottled) prestige cuvée Belle Époque
Grape Makeup:
50% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 5% Meunier
Sweetness Level:
Brut
Ageing on Lees:
6+ years
Price:
$$$ (V)
Cellar:
10+ years
Category:
Collectible
Photos
What
A 200 year-old house, now owned by Pernod-Ricard, specialising in delicate but beautifully rounded wines driven by chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs. Its prestige cuvée Belle Époque has one of the most recognizable bottles on the market.
Where
Épernay; 65 hectares, over 50% in the Côte des Blancs with substantial holdings in Cramant and Avize Grands Crus.
Why
Belle Époque is packaged in one of the wine world’s most iconic bottles, emblazoned with four white Japanese anemones. It was designed by Art Nouveau icon Emile Gallé in 1902 but only put into production in 1964 with the creation of this prestige cuvée. Though it is more chardonnay in tone, the blend is actually almost roughly split between chardonnay and pinot noir, with a small component of meunier, but the pinot is mainly sourced from the very chalky Grand Cru of Mailly-Champagne, producing a very delicate, refined wine. The 2014 vintage was generally characterised by coolness and more water than usual, making for a particularly bright, energetic Belle Époque.
What Else
Séverine Frerson, chef de cave since 2020, is only the 8th to hold that role here since 1811 and is the first woman.
Tasting Notes
A little indistinct at first — pretty and toasty but without sharp definition – this opens gradually, its fruit an understated golden apple laced with pretty apple blossom and ginger tones. Firm structured on the palate, this has reasonably fresh acidity but powerful tannic rigidity right from the entry, releasing sparks of fresh ginger as we go back. Energetic and potent, this shows a rounded bitterness on the back that comes with some fresh rhubarb and angelica root nuances along with renewed, fresher acidity. Very complete.
Try It With
Cold appetisers or punchily dressed salads.
When To Drink
Apéritif.
Perfect For
The one who has a regular gathering at home that they refer to as a "salon".
Tatler Tip
Like "mo-ETTE," (Moët), the ë here means you pronounce it "zhoo-ETTE".
TL/DR
Delicate and understated to start; potent and energetic to finish.
Supplier
Pernod Ricard
