Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Blanc 2015

Winery Background & History

Maison Perrier-Jouët was established in 1811 in Épernay, Champagne. Known for its graceful and floral style, the house became synonymous with elegance, especially after introducing the Belle Époque prestige cuvée and its iconic Art Nouveau bottle decorated with Japanese white anemones, a motif originally created in 1902 by Emile Gallé. Over the years, Belle Époque has become the flagship vintage expression of the house.

Producer & Winemaker

The house is guided by its Chef de Caves and cellar team; for Belle Époque they select the finest parcels and reserve wines to build complexity while preserving clarity. The 2015 vintage was crafted under cellar master Séverine Frerson, with blending and cellar decisions ensuring the wine reflects both vintage character and house identity.

Vineyards & Microclimate

The vineyards contributing to Belle Époque 2015 include prime Chardonnay plots in Cramant, Avize, Mesnil, Chouilly, and top Pinot Noir crus in Montagne de Reims (Mailly, Verzy, Verzenay, Ambonnay). The vintage saw a hot, dry summer, stressing vineyards but yielding healthy grapes—chalk soils and water-retaining limestone aided vine resilience.

Vinification & Aging Methods

Blend composition is approximately 50 % Chardonnay, 45 % Pinot Noir, 5 % Pinot Meunier. The wine is matured on lees for an extended period (≥3 years) before disgorgement. Reserve wines (~12–15 %) are included to enhance consistency and depth. Secondary fermentation follows méthode champenoise; dosage is restrained to maintain freshness.

Tasting Notes

Nose: White flowers, linden blossom, pear, white peach, subtle grapefruit, hawthorn, delicate spice.

Palate: Juicy white orchard fruit, citrus zest, poached pear, rhubarb, brioche, light toast, floral lift and fine mousse.

Finish: Refined and persistent, with lingering floral and fruit echoes, a mineral undertone, and elegant texture.

Food & Wine Pairing

Pairs beautifully with lobster, scallops, lightly cooked shellfish, sea bass, white meats with creamy sauces, fresh goat cheese, or elegant fruit desserts. The balanced richness allows food flexibility.

Service Methods & Temperatures

Serve chilled at 8–10 °C, using tulip flutes or white-wine balloon glasses to allow aromas to open while maintaining effervescence. Avoid overchilling, which mutes aromatics.

Storage & Aging Potential

Store horizontally in a cool, dark cellar (≈ 10–12 °C). As a vintage prestige cuvée, Belle Époque 2015 can develop over the next 10–15 years, gaining complexity while retaining freshness.

Grape Varietals & Percentage Used

• Chardonnay ~ 50 %

• Pinot Noir ~ 45 %

• Pinot Meunier ~ 5 %

• Reserve wine component: ~12–15 %

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

12.5 % ABV (Tastings.com)