# Belle Epoque Brut (2014)

- **Producer:** Perrier-Jouët
- **Colour:** white
- **Type:** sparkling
- **Grapes:** Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier
- **Region:** Champagne, France
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.5%
- **Average price:** €210
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 9–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** hawthorn blossom, linden blossom, elderflower, lemon, white peach, apricot, pastry, almond biscotti, biscuit, beeswax, dried lemon, preserved lemon, dried apricot, smoke, toasted bread, almond, dried mushrooms

## About this wine

Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Brut is a vintage sparkling wine from the Champagne AOC in France. First introduced in 1964, this cuvée is distinguished by its iconic bottle featuring hand-painted anemones, designed by Émile Gallé. The house of Perrier-Jouët was founded in 1811, built on a foundation of quality and a signature style that often emphasizes Chardonnay. Belle Epoque is produced exclusively in years when the harvest conditions are considered exceptional, reflecting the unique character of that specific vintage. The 2014 vintage benefited from a challenging yet ultimately favorable growing season, allowing for optimal grape ripeness.

## Interesting facts

- The Belle Epoque bottle design was created by Émile Gallé in 1902.
- Belle Epoque is Perrier-Jouët's original vintage cuvée.
- It is only produced in years deemed exceptional by the house.
- The wine is aged on lees for a minimum of six years.

## Food pairing

The wine's bright acidity and minerality cut through the richness of creamy sauces and fatty proteins, cleansing the palate. Its delicate fruit and floral notes complement the subtle flavors of seafood and white meats, while hints of pastry cream in the wine echo the richness of certain dishes.

## Wine making process

Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Brut is produced using the traditional method (méthode champenoise), involving primary fermentation followed by a secondary fermentation in the bottle to create its effervescence. The blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier is carefully selected to achieve the house's signature style. A key technique is the extended aging on lees, with the wine spending a minimum of six years in contact with the yeast sediment. This process contributes significantly to the wine's complexity, texture, and aging potential. The 2014 vintage harvest was managed to capture the optimal ripeness of the grapes, influenced by the year's specific weather patterns.