Champagne Perrier-Jouët unveiled the new 2002 vintage of Perrier-Jouët Cuvée Belle Epoque, the first great vintage of the new millennium, at an exclusive launch event held at the French Ambassador’s Residence earlier this week.

Commenting on this latest addition, Herve Deschamps, Cellar Master at Champagne Perrier-Jouët says: “The 2002 vintage is intense yet delicate with a fine balance between structure and acidity. It is truly the epitome of charm and elegance, reflecting the Chardonnays of Cramant and Pinot Noirs of Mailly that have progressively become the markers of the House style.”

Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2002 is a very elegant cuvée: the quality and finesse of the Chardonnay shines through the power and structure of the Pinot Noir. Citrus notes of grapefruit and pineapple are sustained by a little vanilla on the palate, which is beautifully balanced and rounded with a long, elegant finish. The champagne was aged for six years before disgorgement to maintain great balance and freshness.

The House is world-renowned for its ‘avant-garde’ spirit, which finds its purest expression in the iconic prestige cuvée ‘Belle Epoque’ and its legendary Emile Gallé 1902 anemone bottle. Champagne Perrier-Jouët constantly seeks to maintain an aesthetic and artistic dimension to the House and the champagnes.

Earlier in 2009, to celebrate the launch of the House’s inaugural vintage of the 21st Century, Champagne Perrier-Jouët opened its cellar doors and organised a legendary tasting with ten of the world’s top wine and champagne experts. These aficionados tasted 20 historic vintages from the House’s own cellars, from the oldest vintage in Champagne (Perrier-Jouët 1825) to the first vintage of the new millennium. The private event, which took place earlier this year, demonstrated the consistency of the house style and excellence of craftsmanship spanning over two centuries.

Again, to mark the release of the 2002 vintage, talented Japanese art photographer Makiko Takehara, inspired by the art House story, has brought her own artistic vision. She interpreted each vintage through the artistic aspects that marked each exceptional year, turning champagne into a work of art.

Makiko Takehara comments: “Champagne Perrier-Jouët is the only House to combine the art of Champagne making and artistic creation with such striking success. With its impressive history, having supported the Arts since the House was created in 1811, Perrier-Jouët has a highly regarded artistic heritage.”

Following the legendary tasting, Jacqui Small proposed to the House of Perrier-Jouët to publish a book, “The Art of Vintage”: an historic and aesthetic odyssey through 20 legendary Perrier-Jouët vintages led by Serena Sutcliffe MW, Head of the International Wine Department at Sotherby’s, historian Jean-Pierre Devroey, author Leslie Geddes-Brown and the art specialist Federico Simonti with the assistance of Perrier-Jouët.