Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Brut 2014
The aromas were pleasant, and the brioche note stood out most. The acidity, though, came across as very weak.
Producer
Champagne Perrier-Jouët was founded in Epernay in 1811 by Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Rose-Adélaïde Jouët, a newly married couple. Chardonnay now accounts for 56% of the house's own vineyard, compared with 30% for the Champagne AOC as a whole. The current cellar master, Séverine Frerson, is only the eighth person and the first woman to hold the role in over 200 years.
Site
The founders acquired vineyards in the villages of Cramant, Avize and Chouilly, all of which were later classed as Grands Crus. The emblematic crus for this cuvée are Cramant, Avize, Chouilly, Mesnil-sur-Oger, Vertus and Mailly.
Vinification
The blend is 50% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir and 5% Pinot Meunier. The house makes its Belle Epoque vintage cuvées only in years when the weather is close to perfection. The producer's sheet for the cuvée lists at least 6 years of ageing and a dosage of 8 grams per litre.
In the glass
The nose was pleasant, and the brioche was what I liked most about it. The acidity was surprisingly weak. On the finish there was something that bothered me, and I wondered if it was alcohol.