The destiny of Maison Perrier-Jouët has always been shaped by audacious choices, starting with the founders’ decision to make the Chardonnay grape the signature of the House, pioneering the intricate floral style for which its champagnes are recognised throughout the world.
Subsequently, the family’s twin passions
for art and nature would find expression
in Maison Perrier-Jouët’s association with
the revolutionary Art Nouveau movement,
captured forever in the iconic anemone motif
designed for the House by Emile Gallé.
Today, art and nature remain at the heart of
Maison Perrier-Jouët. Inspired by the free
spirit of the founders and the exuberance of
the Art Nouveau movement, the House has
a mission to re-enchant the world through
its vision of reinvented nature. Furthermore,
the symbiotic relationship with nature which
Maison Perrier-Jouët has maintained for over
200 years is now stronger than ever before,
taking the form of a sincere, ethical and
lasting commitment and the creation of truly
meaningful experiences. The Art of Revealing
Nature since 1811.
To prepare the inaugural “Banquet of Nature”, which set the tone for subsequent events around the world, Maison Perrier-Jouët Cellar Master Hervé Deschamps worked for a whole year with Michelin three-star chef Pierre Gagnaire and Italian designer Andrea Mancuso of Analogia Project to create an authentic, artistic dialogue between nature, design and gastronomy. Pierre Gagnaire devised a menu of local, seasonal, plant-based produce in perfect harmony with Perrier-Jouët champagnes, while Andrea Mancuso designed Metamorphosis, an exceptional collection of glassware evoking the history and personality of each cuvée. The result was a dinner quite unlike any other – a singular experience filled with moments of re-enchantment that reconnected guests with nature and one another.
“A Banquet of Nature by Perrier-Jouët” represents the gastronomic dimension of L’Eden by Perrier-Jouët, an immersive, ephemeral experience through which the House shares its vision of reinvented nature. Its name derives from the historic “Eden” cellar in Epernay, where the rarest and most precious Perrier-Jouët vintages are kept, and its inspiration is the concept of rewilding, which aims to bring the wonder of nature back into the urban environment.
In cities like Miami, Tokyo and Shanghai, L’Eden by Perrier-Jouët takes over unexpected settings with interactive installations, avant-garde artworks, exclusive tasting rituals and live performances. Translating the cultural heritage of the House for the 21st century, its aim is to reenchant the everyday through the presence of unbridled nature and the creation of an extravagant universe called the “Art of the Wild”.
Rose-Adélaïde was a cultured, spirited young woman from a family of Normandy merchants, who had received an education inspired by the Enlightenment. Pierre-Nicolas was a keen botanist and a knowledgeable vintner with clear ideas on how to produce champagne. United by a love of nature, a passion for champagne and a bold, entrepreneurial vision, the young couple wasted no time in founding their own Champagne House. In 1811, Maison Perrier-Jouët symbolically joined both their names and their destinies.
From the outset, Maison Perrier-Jouët was a House with a difference: its free-spirited, independent-minded founders chose the Chardonnay grape – a white variety little used at the time, though much sought-after today – as the Perrier-Jouët signature, initiating the intricate floral style which instantly sets its champagnes apart. Aware of the fundamental importance of terroir, they and successive generations enriched the House vineyards with exceptional plots, notably in the renowned Côte des Blancs, while upholding the uncompromising principle that vintages would only be produced in years of near-perfect conditions.
… to a family affair
In 1848, Charles Perrier, the son of the
founders, took over the House, which
flourished under his visionary management.
Having inherited his father’s passion for
botany, he published progressive treatises on
viticulture and cultivated exotic plants in vast
greenhouses in the garden of his imposing
residence, the Château Perrier, on Epernay’s
avenue de Champagne. He also travelled
extensively, carrying the renown of Maison
Perrier-Jouët beyond the borders of France
and familiarising himself with the specificities
of different markets.
Soon, Perrier-Jouët champagnes were being served at the royal courts of Europe, while – in response to the preference of British customers for a drier taste – the House created its historic Cuvée K. This, the world’s first lightly dosed champagne in the style now known as “brut”, was the ancestor of today’s classic Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut cuvée.
In 1872, Charles Perrier was succeeded by his nephew Henri Gallice, who in addition to blending several legendary vintages, also cemented the House’s enduring association with the world of art, especially Art Nouveau. For subsequent generations, the way ahead was clear: Maison Perrier-Jouët would forever be a free spirit in champagne, taking nature as its source of inspiration in order to conjure extraordinary moments of wonder and delight.
Subsequent decades have seen many such moments: Duke Ellington at the Alcazar in Paris in 1969, playing the piano for his 70th birthday with a bottle of Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque sitting on top; Prince Albert of Monaco toasting his marriage to Charlene Wittstock in 2011 with Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque – a touching tribute to his late mother, Grace Kelly, whose favourite it was; the bicentenary of Maison Perrier-Jouët, celebrated – in a symbolic homage to art and nature – at Paris’ Ecole des Beaux-Arts on the first day of spring; and, in 2017, the reopening of the historic Maison Belle Epoque in Epernay, whose lush gardens hosted a party sparkling with the vivacious spirit of newly launched Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs.
Inventing an icon: the Perrier-Jouët anemones
Henri Gallice and his younger brother Octave were both art lovers, but while Henri managed the family business in Epernay, Octave spent much of his time in Paris, sharing in the excitement of the “Belle Epoque” – those heady years at the start of the 20th century when France was swept along by whirlwind progress in science and the arts. In the capital, he met Emile Gallé, one of the pioneers of the Art Nouveau movement, the revolutionary artistic expression of the period.
At the brothers’ request, Emile Gallé created a design for Maison Perrier-Jouët, drawing on his own passion for botany to imagine a spray of Japanese white anemones. Four magnums enamelled with this delicate motif were delivered in 1902. It would become the iconic emblem, not only of the prestigious Perrier- Jouët Belle Epoque collection, but of Maison Perrier-Jouët itself.
The white anemone motif created by Emile Gallé may be the most obvious symbol of Maison Perrier-Jouët’s association with Art Nouveau, but the affinities actually run much deeper. Indeed, the entire ethos of the Art Nouveau movement was founded on reinventing nature in order to re-enchant the everyday. Just like Maison Perrier-Jouët.
The Maison Belle Epoque
A home to generations of the founding family, the Maison Belle Epoque in Epernay is today the vibrant expression of Maison Perrier- Jouët’s philosophy. Painstakingly restored to its original harmony, the mansion reopened in 2017 to welcome privileged guests of the House in elegant and intimate surroundings graced by the largest private collection of French Art Nouveau in Europe.
Testifying to the creative freedom of the Art Nouveau movement and the exuberance of the Belle Epoque era, rare and priceless works by, among others, Hector Guimard, Louis Majorelle, Emile Gallé and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec dialogue with one-off pieces of contemporary art inspired by the spirit of Art Nouveau. In this unique setting, Maison Perrier-Jouët’s guests enjoy pairings of gourmet cuisine with prestige cuvées brought up directly from the Maison Belle Epoque’s own private cellar – an unforgettable experience in which extraordinary savoir-faire is dedicated to exceptional savoir-vivre.
Contemporary collaborations
Just as the Art Nouveau movement was characterised by creative freedom and an unconventional observation of nature, so too are the contemporary artists with whom Maison Perrier-Jouët regularly collaborates.
to whom the House has offered a creative platform are Daniel Arsham, Noé Duchaufour- Lawrance, Miguel Chevalier, Makoto Azuma, Tord Boontje, Simon Heijdens, Andrew Kudless, Luftwerk and Bethan Laura Wood. The most recent collaboration, with Italian designer Andrea Mancuso of Analogia Project, was unveiled at Design Miami/ 2019. Metamorphosis, a collection of exquisitely crafted glasses evoking the distinct histories and personalities of the six Perrier-Jouët cuvées, brings champagne to life through an artistic tasting ritual. For Andrea Mancuso, champagne is more than aromas and flavours; it is also a catalyst for surprises and emotions – just like his richly narrative designs.
The Metamorphosis collection will eventually take its place alongside previous creative collaborations, which are now displayed at Maison Perrier-Jouët in Epernay. The sparkling Murano glass bubbles of Ritsue Mishima’s All’Ombra della Luce, inspired by the rhythm of the seasons in the vineyards, are suspended from the ceiling of the bar in the Maison Belle Epoque.
Elsewhere, two interactive works by Mischer’Traxler offer an intriguing exploration of the relationship between man and nature: Ephemera represents an ornamental garden which grows from a long table, then disappears as if by magic when anyone approaches; Curiosity Cloud, a sculpture of blown-glass bulbs containing a variety of handmade insects, mysteriously comes to life, eliciting an almost childlike sense of wonder.
In the cellars, meanwhile, the installation Lost Time by Studio Glithero is a reflection on the timeless ambiance of the silent, underground realm where the miracle of champagne unfolds. Visions such as these – vibrant, irreverent, poetic, but always inspiring – nurture the creative spirit of Maison Perrier- Jouët and its art of revealing nature.
Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Rose-Adélaïde Jouët were also notable for their progressive ideas on natural viticulture and vineyard management. They quickly identified the Côte des Blancs, to the south of Epernay, as an ideal terroir for Chardonnay, and established enduring relationships with independent growers across the finest crus.
From 1836, they set about creating what is today one of the most admired vineyards in Champagne: 65 hectares/161 acres ranked at 99.2% on the Echelle des Crus quality scale, with exceptional parcels of Chardonnay in Cramant and Avize, two of the most prestigious villages in the Côte des Blancs, at the heart of Champagne’s “Golden Triangle”.
Remarkably, Maison Perrier-Jouët has had only seven cellar masters in the more than two centuries since it was founded – an extraordinary degree of continuity that has enabled it to acquire unparalleled expertise in revealing the quintessence of Chardonnay. Today, Cellar Master Hervé Deschamps brings this unique legacy to the creation of the House’s classic and vintage champagnes, as well as Bespoke, an exceptional, one-off cuvée crafted to reflect the preferences and personality of an individual client.
On his retirement in October 2020, he will transmit this precious heritage, along with the key to the Eden cellar, to his designated successor, Séverine Frerson, who will become the first female cellar master in the history of Maison Perrier-Jouët.
An instantly identifiable, intricate floral style Perrier-Jouët champagnes are instantly identifiable for their distinctive style: on the nose, the captivating floral freshness and finesse of the Chardonnay grape; on the palate, richness and complexity as – thanks to the cellar master’s consummate skill and knowledge of the terroir – meticulously selected individual crus are blended into an elegant and harmonious whole. Combined with Champagne’s two red grape varieties, Pinot Noir and Meunier, Chardonnay is a lively, luminous presence, but its purest expression is naturally to be found in the two single-grape cuvées: classic Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs and vintage Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs.
Two complementary collections
The Perrier-Jouët classic collection – Perrier- Jouët Blanc de Blancs, Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut and Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé – are refined champagnes with delicate floral notes, which epitomise the House’s 200-year expertise in the art of blending.
The cellar master blends the wines of the year with a small proportion of reserve wines – quality wines held in reserve from previous vintages – in order to ensure consistency of style year after year. The timeless elegance of these classic cuvées is reflected in their distinctive bottle, which was inspired by a historic Perrier-Jouët cuvée, Blason de France, first blended from the 1955 harvest.
The Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque collection –
Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs, Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque and Perrier- Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé – are testaments to the House’s art of vintage. These rare and precious champagnes are produced in very limited quantities and – true to the principle of the founders – only in years of near-perfect conditions.
A Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque cuvée is thus the cellar master’s one-off interpretation of a single, exceptional year, created from grapes from the House’s finest vineyards. While each vintage naturally reflects the character of its particular year, these sensational champagnes with intense floral notes are the ultimate expression of the style and savoirfaire of Maison Perrier-Jouët.
Evolving in symbiosis
with nature
Both Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and his son Charles were keen botanists, known for advocating natural viticulture techniques, and Maison Perrier-Jouët was soon renowned for the quality of its grapes. Today, as the House aims to evolve in symbiosis with nature, the priority in its vineyards is to cultivate biodiversity, as well as exceptional grapes. In 2020, it implemented a zero-herbicide policy – five years ahead of the objective for the Champagne region as a whole – while its vineyards have obtained a double certification for Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne and High Environmental Value.
True to its tradition of innovation, Maison Perrier-Jouët is also pioneering new techniques to benefit nature and humans. It is one of the first champagne houses to be equipped with a robot to assist winegrowers in tending the vines, and is experimenting with new, sustainable growing practices and machinery. Meanwhile, in an effort to reduce waste and contribute to the circular economy, the by-products of vinification are delivered to a local distillery to be transformed for use in cosmetics, food and other products.
The House’s commitment to reducing its impact on nature extends from the grape to the glass – hence the global launch in 2020 of a fully recyclable gift-box collection for its classic champagnes. Produced from 100% natural fibre sourced from certified forests in Northern Europe, the new gift boxes are nearly 30% lighter than the previous versions, while their elegant, minimalist design, embossed with a delicate motif evoking Emile Gallé’s legendary anemones, unites beauty and sustainability. The objective is for the entire gifting offer to be sustainable by 2022.
PERRIER-JOUËT BLANC DE BLANCS
Floral - Vivacious
A tribute to Maison Perrier-Jouët’s emblematic grape variety, Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs is a vibrant, spontaneous champagne brimming with crisp citrus and fresh floral notes. Crafted from 100% Chardonnay grapes selected from some of the finest terroirs in Champagne, with a small proportion of reserve wines for harmony and consistency, it is a luminous cuvée combining finesse and elegance with charm and generosity.
Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé
Floral - Gourmet
Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé is the exception among Perrier-Jouët champagnes – a cuvée in which the delicate floral nuances of Chardonnay (25%) are complemented by the rich flavours provided by a high proportion of Pinot Noir (50%), with Meunier (25%) for balance. Though delightful on its own, this lush and lively champagne, with its distinctive salmon-pink hue and characteristic notes of red and black fruit, is crafted with food in mind. Its generous, complex flavours can accompany a meal from starter to dessert.
Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut
Floral - Harmonious
Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut epitomises the heritage of Maison Perrier-Jouët. Perpetuating the House’s tradition of brut champagnes, it is a vibrant, stylish cuvée in which the elegance of Chardonnay (20%) is perfectly complemented by Champagne’s two red grape varieties, Pinot Noir (40%) and Meunier (40%). Though crisp and light, it combines freshness with a lingeringly rich, generous finish, preserving its distinctive balance and harmony to the very end.
Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs
Floral - Pure
Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs is not only the rarest Perrier-Jouët cuvée, but also the most emblematic – the culmination of the House’s 200-year expertise in revealing the intricate floral facets of its signature Chardonnay grape. Sourced from just two legendary parcels of vines, Bouron Leroi and Bouron du Midi in the village of Cramant, it is the expression of a single grape variety, a single terroir and a single year – a sublime champagne shimmering with golden light, whose freshness and purity are the exhilarating prelude to an explosion of lush floral notes.
Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé
Floral - Extravagant
Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé is the House’s deliciously unexpected interpretation of the genre: a rare and precious vintage rosé champagne whose demure, pale peach hue belies its extravagantly sensual personality, characterised by alluring notes of pink flowers and small red fruit. Produced only in exceptional years and in limited quantities, it typically blends Pinot Noir (50%) from Ay, Mailly, Verzy and Rilly with Chardonnay (45%) from the finest terroirs in Cramant, Avize and Le Mesnil. Finally, Meunier grapes (5%) from Dizy contribute their rounded, aromatic character.
Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque
Floral - Elegant
Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque is an icon, the original Belle Epoque cuvée to appear adorned with the spray of Japanese white anemones created by Emile Gallé in 1902. This elegant, harmonious champagne is not only a testament to the exceptional quality of the House vineyard, but also a supreme example of the art of blending in the Perrier- Jouët style: Pinot Noir grapes (45%) from the Montagne de Reims are used, not for their power, but in order to enhance the delicate structure of Chardonnay (50%) from the celebrated Grand Cru villages of Cramant and Avize. A small quantity of Meunier (5%) from Dizy perfects the balance between the two.