Champagne Dom Pérignon 2012

Winery Background & History

Dom Pérignon, the prestigious cuvée from Moët & Chandon, is named after the Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon, who is often credited with laying the foundations of Champagne-making. Dom Pérignon is produced only in exceptional vintages, making it a benchmark for vintage Champagne. The house is committed to expressing the unique characteristics of each growing season, creating wines with both richness and finesse.

Producer & Wine Maker

The 2012 vintage of Dom Pérignon was crafted under the guidance of Vincent Chaperon, the Chef de Cave at Moët & Chandon. Chaperon continues the house’s tradition of creating a balance between elegance, power, and complexity, producing a wine that reflects the quality of the vintage.

Vineyard

The grapes for Dom Pérignon are sourced from some of the finest Grand Cru vineyards in Champagne, primarily in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs regions. The chalky soils in these regions lend a distinctive minerality to the wine, contributing to its finesse and long aging potential.

The Wine

Dom Pérignon 2012 is a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, combining the freshness and elegance of Chardonnay with the structure and depth of Pinot Noir. The 2012 vintage is highly regarded for its concentration, complexity, and the ability to evolve with time.

Vintage

The 2012 vintage was challenging, marked by unpredictable weather including frost, hail, and a warm summer. Despite the difficulties, the harvest produced grapes with remarkable ripeness and intensity, resulting in a vintage that is celebrated for its depth, structure, and aging potential.

ABV %

The alcohol by volume (ABV) for Dom Pérignon 2012 is 12.5%.

Vinification and Aging Method

Dom Pérignon undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, known as the méthode champenoise. The wine was aged on its lees for over 7 years, which contributes to its creamy texture and complex flavors. This extended aging period allows the wine to develop richness while retaining its vibrancy.

Grapes Varietals

• Chardonnay

• Pinot Noir

Though the exact blend ratio is not disclosed, it typically balances the freshness of Chardonnay with the structure of Pinot Noir.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Pale gold with a fine, persistent mousse.

• Nose: Aromas of ripe citrus, stone fruits like peach and apricot, with hints of toasted brioche, almond, and a subtle minerality.

• Palate: The wine is full-bodied and creamy, offering flavors of ripe pear, green apple, and citrus zest, along with nuances of vanilla and toasted hazelnuts. The finish is long, with a lively acidity and a refined mineral backbone.

Food and Wine Pairing

Dom Pérignon 2012 pairs wonderfully with:

• Oyst