Champagne Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs 2002

Winery Background

Perrier-Jouët, founded in 1811, is a prestigious Champagne house renowned for its elegant, floral style, which comes from its emphasis on Chardonnay grapes. The Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs is the rarest cuvée from the house, representing the purity and elegance of Chardonnay, sourced exclusively from two grand cru vineyards in the Côte des Blancs.

Producer

Perrier-Jouët, part of the Pernod Ricard group, is based in Épernay, Champagne. Known for their artful craftsmanship, they are famous for their iconic floral bottles and refined Champagnes that prioritize elegance and finesse.

Vineyard

This vintage is sourced from two of the most prestigious vineyards, Cramant and Avize, located in the Côte des Blancs. These vineyards contribute to the wine’s hallmark fresh, floral, and mineral characteristics.

Wine

Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs 2002 is a single-variety Chardonnay Champagne, crafted in a vintage year that was considered excellent in Champagne. It is known for its precision, purity, and elegance.

Vintage

The 2002 vintage benefited from a warm growing season with excellent weather, especially in September, allowing for perfect ripeness. The wines from this year are regarded as structured and complex, with good aging potential.

Vinification and Aging

This Blanc de Blancs is vinified using traditional methods with extended aging on lees, contributing to its rich complexity. After secondary fermentation, the wine spent several years aging in the cellar to develop its depth and finesse.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Pale gold with delicate, fine bubbles.

• Nose: Complex aromas of white flowers, citrus, and almond, with a hint of brioche.

• Palate: Elegant and refined with flavors of pear, white peach, and grapefruit, underpinned by a mineral backbone. The texture is creamy, with a long, fresh finish that highlights its citrus and floral notes.

Food and Wine Pairing

This Champagne pairs beautifully with refined dishes like:

• Lobster

• White truffle risotto

• Seared scallops

• Mild cheeses like brie or camembert

Service

Serve at 10-12°C (50-54°F) to fully appreciate its delicate aromas and textures.

Scores

• Decanter: 95 points 

• Falstaff: 95 points

• Tastingbook: 94 points

• Vivino: 4.5/5 rating from users

This vintage is considered one of the finest expressions of Chardonnay from the house, and it’s praised for its balance and aging potential.