Perrier-Jouët Champagne

Perrier-Jouët Champagne: Eine Tradition der Eleganz und Exzellenz

History of the house Perrier-Jouët

Perrier-Jouët Champagne, a renowned Champagne producer, was founded in 1811 by Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and his wife Adèle Jouët in Épernayin the heart of the Champagne region. From the very beginning, the founders placed great emphasis on quality and elegance, which meant that their champagnes quickly gained recognition and popularity.

The Perrier-Jouët family focussed on innovation and craftsmanship. As early as 1854, the house was the first champagne house to produce a brut champagne, a dry version that differed from the sweet champagnes that were common at the time. This introduction marked a turning point in champagne production and influenced flavour preferences worldwide.

Over the years, the reputation of Perrier-Jouët Champagne grew. In 1870, it was officially recognised by the French imperial family when Emperor Napoleon III enjoyed the champagne at a lunch in London's Guildhall. This recognition reinforced Perrier-Jouët Champagne's reputation as a producer of fine, high-quality champagnes.

The most famous champagne: Belle Époque

Probably Perrier-Jouët's best-known champagne is the Belle Époque, a vintage champagne that was first created in 1969. It is produced in limited quantities and only in the best vintages. Belle Époque is characterised by its floral and fruity aromas, which convey an exceptional elegance and sophistication. The iconic Belle Époque bottle, with its hand-painted white anemones, was designed by the famous Art Nouveau artist Émile Gallé and is a symbol of the combination of art and craftsmanship that characterises the House of Perrier-Jouët Champagne.

Current information on vineyards and headquarters

Heute gehört Perrier-Jouët Champagner zur Familiengruppe Pernod Ricard, einem der weltweit führenden Anbieter von Weinen und Spirituosen. Der Hauptsitz des Hauses befindet sich weiterhin in Épernay, wo auch das historische Maison Belle Époque steht, ein prächtiges Herrenhaus, das die Geschichte und Tradition des Hauses widerspiegelt.

Perrier-Jouët besitzt insgesamt 65 Hektar Rebflächen in einigen der besten Lagen der Champagne-Region, darunter Grand-Cru-Lagen in Cramant und Avize. Diese Weinberge sind hauptsächlich mit Chardonnay, Pinot Noir und Pinot Meunier bepflanzt, den drei Hauptrebsorten der Champagne. Besonders hervorzuheben ist die Dominanz von Chardonnay-Trauben, die dem Champagner von Perrier-Jouët ihre charakteristische Eleganz und Feinheit verleihen.

The Grand Brut and its specialities

Another remarkable product of the house is the Grand Brut. This champagne is a tribute to the tradition and heritage of Perrier-Jouët and represents the style of the house in an impressive way. The Grand Brut consists mainly of Chardonnay grapes from the Côte des Blancs and is complemented by a blend of Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. The floral notes of acacia and hawthorn blend harmoniously with fruity flavours such as green apple, pineapple and light peach, resulting in a complex and balanced taste experience.

The art of winemaking at Perrier-Jouët Champagne

Wine production at Perrier-Jouët is characterised by a deep connection to nature and a tireless pursuit of perfection. The house relies on sustainable viticulture and traditional methods to preserve the quality and authenticity of its champagnes. Every step in the production process, from the careful selection of grapes to ageing in the chalk cellars of Épernay, is carried out with the utmost care and dedication.

The cellar master of Perrier-Jouët Champagne, also known as the "Chef de Cave", plays a crucial role in this process. He oversees the assemblage, where the different wines are blended together to create the unique style of the house. Blending is an art that requires a great deal of experience and a keen sense of flavours and textures. The combination of wines from different vintages and sites creates a harmonious and complex champagne that reflects the heritage and tradition of Perrier-Jouët.

Sustainability and innovation

Perrier-Jouët Champagne is not only known for its rich history and outstanding champagnes, but also for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. The house is committed to promoting sustainable practices in viticulture and favours environmentally friendly cultivation methods in order to conserve natural resources and promote biodiversity in the vineyards. This includes reducing the use of chemicals and promoting biodiversity by planting flowers and herbs between the rows of vines.

Innovation is also an essential part of Perrier-Jouët's philosophy. The house continuously invests in research and development to discover new techniques and methods that can further improve the quality and authenticity of its champagnes. This is also reflected in the introduction of new products and limited editions that demonstrate the creativity and craftsmanship of the house.

The importance of art and culture

The combination of art and wine is a central aspect of Perrier-Jouët's identity. The house has a long tradition of collaborating with artists and designers to create unique and artistic bottles. These partnerships reflect the pursuit of beauty and perfection expressed in both the art and winemaking of Perrier-Jouët.

An outstanding example of this connection is the collaboration with Émile Gallé, one of the leading artists of Art Nouveau. His hand-painted white anemones on the Belle Époque bottle are a symbol of the elegance and sophistication that characterise the House of Perrier-Jouët. This artistic tradition continues today, with contemporary artists creating innovative and inspiring designs for the champagne bottles.

Conclusion

Perrier-Jouët Champagne is more than just a champagne producer - it is a symbol of elegance, excellence and the art of winemaking. With a rich history dating back to 1811 and a strong connection to art and culture, the house has created a unique place in the world of champagne. The Belle Époque, the Grand Brut and the other champagnes of Perrier-Jouët are the expression of a heritage characterised by quality, innovation and sustainability. Today, the house continues this tradition and remains a benchmark for outstanding champagnes that are appreciated and celebrated worldwide.