Jean Pernet

Champagne Jean Pernet is a family house with two sites. The headquarters are in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, while the cellars and visitor reception are in Chavot-Courcourt. The roots go a long way back: the first traces of winegrowing in the family date from the 17th century.

The family story

In 1959, Jean and Huguette Pernet founded the Maison Jean Pernet, building on Huguette's family estate. Jean died in 1980. Huguette carried on running the business until her sons Frédéric and Christophe joined after finishing their studies. In 2019, Marie-Agathe, Christophe's daughter, joined the team, which is now led by the third generation. The sources count the generations differently: one importer speaks of the fourth. The founding year is also sometimes given differently, as 1946 or 1947. The house's website gives 1959 for the brand.

Vineyards and grape varieties

Today the vineyard holdings cover 17 hectares in Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Vertus and Chouilly, as well as in the traditional growing area around Épernay, Chavot and Leuvrigny. Only Chardonnay is planted in Le Mesnil, Vertus and Chouilly. The heart of the estate is five hectares of Chardonnay on chalk in the Côte des Blancs, with vines of almost forty years old. The house's grands crus come from these. Pinot Noir and Meunier from the other sites complete the range. One importer describes the viticulture as sustainable, and all the grapes are picked by hand.

“In 2019, Marie-Agathe, Christophe's daughter, joined the team, which is now led by the third generation.

Cuvées, tasting and visiting

The range includes the Tradition Brut, a blend of the three champagne grape varieties with reserve wines from earlier vintages. The figures for the proportion of each variety differ depending on the merchant. If you are looking for the mineral-driven style of Le Mesnil, one importer says you will find it in the Millésime and Prestige cuvées, both 100% grand cru Chardonnay. Around 120,000 bottles are produced each year, of which 85% go to about thirty countries. According to the Guide Hachette, the house also runs a second brand, Camille Jacquet.

A visit is possible, but the house receives guests by appointment only. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 12pm and 2pm to 5pm. Address: 3 Le Pont de Bois, 51530 Chavot-Courcourt. Telephone: +33 (0)3 26 57 54 24.