The Champagne Society August 2020 Selection: Champagne Joseph Perrier

Champagne Joseph Perrier “Cumières – La Côte à Bras” Blanc de Noirs (Premier Cru, Brut Nature 2010)

Price for The Champagne Society members: $85 (regular price $99)

Champagne Joseph Perrier owns 51 acres of vineyards, situated in the heart of the Vallée de la Marne on the right bank of the River Marne, around the villages of Hautvillers and Cumières – both classed at an impressive 93% in the Échelle des Crus system. Founded in 1825, the estate has been owned and run by the same family since 1888. Current proprietor Jean-Claude Fourmon represents the fifth generation. The estate’s cellars stretch almost two full miles and date back to the Gallo-Roman period.

Vallée de la Marne is noted for its powerful Pinot Noir grown on south-facing slopes. Naturally, Champagne Joseph Perrier’s vineyards are mostly planted with Pinot Noir. Indeed, the limited release “Cumières – La Côte à Bras” Blanc de Noirs is 100% Pinot Noir from a single parcel named La Côte à Bras in the Premier Cru village of Cumières. The wine is aged a minimum of seven years and there is no added sugar after disgorgement.

Winemaker Notes:
“A quiet autumn peacefully guided the vines towards the winter break. January experienced very cool temperatures that continued until March.  Flowering was delayed due to some cool nights in June. After that the heat arrived and the month of July ended with some violent storms. The grapes had plenty of water but the September sun dried the soil. The late ripening resulted in berries arriving at the press with very good sugar levels.

The appearance is of yellow gold straw, with amber highlights. The nose opens with tangy, delicate and captivating aromas revealing notes of freshly squeezed citrus fruits – grapefruit and mandarin. The palate is vinous and with plenty of attack, with pronounced mineral notes. The finish is long and harmonious, dominated by a zesty lemon freshness so characteristic of Joseph Perrier.”

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Posted on 2020.07.20 in France, The Champagne Society, Champagne