Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque 1996

Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 1996 embodies the aristocratic elegance of the House of Perrier-Jouët. The distinctive character of this venerable Champagne house lies in its artful Belle Époque culture, often featuring an iconic anemone motif and blending meticulous craftsmanship with floral finesse. The 1996 vintage brings a mature structure to the cuvée, dominated by Chardonnay characteristics from the Côte des Blancs and supported by Pinot Noir, which lends the wine substance. Critical voices from Falstaff, Parker, Jancis Robinson, Jeff Leve, and Wine Spectator praise the fine balance of freshness and maturity in this vintage and confirm its festive character.

On the nose, the Champagne unfolds a delicate ripeness of citrus fruits, green apple, brioche, and mineral notes; a subtle floral character resonates alongside. On the palate, it is creamy and elegant, with a fine perlage, precise acidity, and a harmonious balance of fruit, toast, and honey notes. The finish is long, fresh, and clean, with a subtle nuttiness that suggests good aging.

Food pairing recommendation: Oysters, lobster, grilled scallops, or foie gras – all benefit from the fine structure of this Belle Époque vintage. A menu featuring saffron risotto or creamy porcini mushroom soup completes the experience and highlights the champagne's floral notes.