1996 | Perrier-Jouët | Belle Epoque

Sparkling Wine: 1996 | Perrier-Jouët | Belle Epoque
Opening with aromas of fresh pineapple, lemon and white florals, warming into complex scents of pear. A rich bouquet of white fruits end in subtle notes of honey and vanilla. The bead is intense with brisk effervescence, swirling up into a generous and persistent mousse.
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Producer: Perrier-Jouët
Ratings: WE | 93
Vintage: 1996
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13%
Varietal: Champagne Blend
Country/Region: France, Champagne
Opening with aromas of fresh pineapple, lemon and white florals, warming into complex scents of pear. A rich bouquet of white fruits end in subtle notes of honey and vanilla. The bead is intense with brisk effervescence, swirling up into a generous and persistent mousse.
Reviews:
Wine Enthusiast: The famous Belle Epoque bottle design is based on a 1902 bottle of Emile Gallé. Today’s blend of this prestige cuvée is a fine balance between Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, crisp and fresh in a ripe, mature aperitif style. It is lively but complex, showing some toasty flavors to complement the rich, ripe green fruit tastes. Great balance and elegace.
Producer Information
Champagne Perrier-Jouët is a Champagne house based in Épernay, founded in 1811. The wines are typically floral and elegant. The house places emphasis on Chardonnay in relation to this house style. However the core Grand Brut bottling comprises 40 percent Pinot Noir, the same of Pinot Meunier and 20 percent Chardonnay. Dosage is 8 to 10 grams per liter of sugar. The Blanc de Blancs is 100 percent Chardonnay and 8g/l dosage. The Blason (coat of arms) range is completed by the Blason Rosé. This features 50 percent Pinot Noir and 25 percent each of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, with dosage as for the Grand Brut. 10 to 15 percent of the Pinot Noir is still red wine. All three of these wines feature up to 15 percent reserve wines (i.e. older than the current vintage). The famous Belle Époque champagne is a deluxe vintage cuvée. It is produced only in the best years, with around 30 wines being made to date. A 45 percent component of Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims is carefully selected for subtlety to complement the Chardonnay (50 percent) from the Grand Crus of Cramant and Avize. Pinot Meunier contributes just 5 percent. The Belle Époque Rosé reverses the proportions of Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. 11 percent of the Pinot Noir is still red wine. Belle Époque Blanc de Blancs is the rarest bottling in terms of production volumes (40,000 bottles or less). It is sourced from two of the best parcels of Chardonnay. These three wines are all aged for at least six years before release with a dosage at 8 g/l. The vineyards of Perrier-Jouët encompass 65 hectares (161 acres), with each plot being picked and vinified separately before being blended into its eventual cuvée. The blend is chosen by Séverine Frerson, the eighth cellar master in two centuries.