Champagne Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque 2013 Limited Edition by Mischer Traxler

Champagne Perrier Jouet Belle Epoque 2013

Chardonnay (50%) from Cramant, Avize and Chouilly. Pinot Noir (45%) from Mailly, Verzy and Aÿ lends generosity and smoothness that go together with the roundness and balance of Pinot Meunier (5%) from Dizy.

FLORAL – MAJESTIC
“Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque is characterized by harmony,” says Séverine Frerson. “Harmony in the blend, certainly, combining Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in almost equal proportions, but also harmony over time. This is a majestic cuvée that maintains its style and philosophy as it ages.”

THE STORY.
Champagne Belle Epoque is the original vintage Belle Epoque cuvée, which first appeared in 1964. Instantly recognizable worldwide, its bottle is adorned with the graceful spray of white Japanese anemones created for Maison Perrier-Jouët by Art Nouveau master Emile Gallé in 1902 .
THE TERROIR
For Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque, Séverine Frerson specifically selects Pinot Noir grapes from two crus, Verzy and Mailly-Champagne, in the north of the Montagne de Reims, both characterized by limestone soils. “Pinot Noir grapes from Mailly-Champagne, in particular, have an elegance and finesse that harmonize perfectly with our distinctive Chardonnay from the Grand Cru terroirs of the Côte des Blancs,” he says. “They therefore enhance, rather than overwhelm, the delicate floral structure of the wine.” The result is an elegantly structured cuvée with a clear floral dimension, making Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque an outstanding example of the art of blending in the Perrier-Jouët style.

THE TASTE
While each vintage of Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Champagne naturally expresses the characteristics of its particular year, the personality of this iconic cuvée is clearly defined: balance, harmony and elegance combine to captivate the senses, with its bright gold color and subtle sparkle an inviting prelude to rich nuances of white flowers and white-fleshed fruit. A long, expansive finish testifies to the rare quality of this exceptional champagne.

THE MOMENT.
This prestigious cuvée pairs naturally with noble ingredients: Prawns with creamy polenta, Sole meunière and Parmesan or Comté.

COMPOSITION
50% Chardonnay

45% Pinot Noir

5% Meunier

EMBLEMATIC CRUS
Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Vertus, Mailly

DOSAGE
8 grams per liter

MINIMUM AGING
Six years

TEMPERATURE BEST SERVED
About 12°C
THE YEAR.
2013 was a year in which the usual pattern of the seasons was delayed, with a cold winter and a cool, rainy spring that led the vines to bloom more than two weeks later than average, in early July. Fortunately, the final outcome proved to be worth the wait: after a dry and sunny summer, autumn brought favorable conditions until the harvest, which began on September 30. Last years October harvest produced clear wines with a good balance of alcohol and acidity.

THE EYE
A pale gold, clear and bright, like an autumn sun.

THE NOSE
Aromas of ripe, juicy pear, a hint of citrus (yellow grapefruit, lime), green pepper and ginger. A subtle saltiness.

THE PALATE
A generous, lively attack and a lush, creamy texture. Floral notes of linden blossom, complemented by pear, tangerine and grapefruit zest.