Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque 2006 (also known as Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque) is the flagship vintage champagne (Prestige Cuvée) of this renowned French champagne house. This champagne is world-famous for its elegant Art Nouveau anemone bottle design (designed by the master artist Émile Gallé in 1902), and the 2006 vintage showcases the exceptional maturity and silky smoothness achieved by the region after a hot summer.
Winemaking Process
- Climate and Terroir: Early 2006 saw a harsh winter followed by a sweltering June. Rains in August alleviated the dryness, and finally, warm, sunny September allowed the grapes to reach exceptional ripeness. The Chardonnay from Cramant village, in particular, has a potential alcohol content as high as 11° (average 9.8°), giving this vintage its unique silkiness and richness.
- Aging and Dosage: The grapes were aged for at least 6 years in the winery's chalky underground cellars. After disgorging, the dosage was approximately 8–9 grams per liter, maintaining excellent acidity and structural balance.
- The Blend: The classic Brut cuvée combines 50% Chardonnay (for freshness and mineral notes), 45% Pinot Noir (for generosity and fruit), and 5% Pinot Meunier (for roundness).
Tasting Profile
- Aroma: Crisp and floral, opening with white flowers, lemon, lime, green apple, and subtle hints of honey.
- Palate: Silk-textured, medium to full-bodied, featuring a fine, lively acidity balanced by a rich and elegant finish.
