A wine that shares the secrets of the Perrier-Jouet terroir. The outstanding quality of the House’s vineyards lies in the heart of “Champagne’s magic triangle”. In the Grand Brut blend, delicate Chardonnay and strong Pinot Noir blend harmoniously with the Pinot Meunier, a complex variety that reveals all its qualities when selected with care Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut .

TASTING NOTES

On the eye: A pale and sparkling yellow robe, suggestive of vivacity.

On the nose: The Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut is delicate, elegant and balanced. The striking freshness and vivacity of the floral and fruity fragrances (yellow fruits and fresh fruits) take root, before giving way to subtle notes of vanilla and butter, lending the wine a fruity and consistent character. The notes of cherry plum, lemon and bergamot orange emerge first, then make way for the flowers of fruit trees, such as lime and honeysuckle. These are followed by notes of butter, madeleine cakes and vanilla sugar. Lingering notes of grapefruit, white peaches, green pears, apple trees and green hazelnuts round off the taste.

On the palate: Ampleness and vivacity balance out in the mouth, developing into a flavour of round and vinous elegance. A fresh, balanced champagne with a long finish.

PAIRING

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut can be matched with dishes such as carpaccio of fish or white meats. Its lively vivacity works well with crisp vegetables and tofu.

Perrier-Jouët is a medium-sized Champagne house with an annual production of around 3 million bottles a year, dating back to 1811. They have just under 180 hectares of their own vineyards, which is quite a high proportion. Bought by Mumm in the late 1950s, they are now part of the Pernod Ricard portfolio. I was impressed by this Grand Brut, which was better than I remember it to be.

Champagne Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut NV France

12% alcohol. 20% Chardonnay with the balance equal parts red grapes, with around 10% reserve wines. Taut, pure and lemony, with some finesse. Subtle hazelnut and toast notes with a bit of herbiness and nice lemony brightness on the finish. Some fine green apple notes too. 90/100