Perrier-JouetBelleEpoqueRose2012

Perrier-Jouët own twenty-seven hectares of Grand Cru plots in the Chardonnay-dominant village of Cramant. The two that are most precious to the House are Bourons Leroy and Bourons du Midi, as both plots contain rare pockets of pure chalk soil. The prestige cuvée, Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs, is a unique blend of grapes from both of these very rare vineyards: an exclusive champagne that represents just one percent of the total Belle Epoque production.rrIn 1902, Emile Gallé designed a unique new bottle to express the vibrancy and spirit of the era. A swirl of Japanese anemones wreathed in gold was painted onto four custom-made magnums. However, this was too expensive for mass production and only became a permanent feature on the bottles from 1969 when the first Belle Epoque cuvée was released.rrWeather: The 2012 weather has been hallmarked by many as very challenging but has created some stunning Champagne. Relatively low yields due to various weather conditions throughout the year. The winter months brought some frosts and hail which damaged the early stages of bud burst. August and September were very warm and this helped rescue and give the grapes a stunning maturity.rrTechnical Information:rVineyards: 100% Grand Cru | Pinot Nour: Ay, Mailly, Verzy and Rilly & Chardonnay: Cramant, Avize and Le Mesnil.rGrape Varieties: 90% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot NoirrAgeing: 8 years on the leesrDosage: 8 g/lrDrink: Now to 2028rrChampagne in clear bottles must be stored in complete darkness, it spoils quickly if exposed to any light source.Read MorerrTasting Note:Nicely integrated fruit and an overall impression of gentle softness. Very charming even if not amazingly persistent. Tasted by Jancis Robinson MWr