This limited edition gift set includes a bottle of Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2016 and two flutes decorated by artist Marcin Rusak. It celebrates the combination of an iconic vintage, the signature floral finesse of Belle Epoque, and the artist's unique botanical universe. A creation that brings together nature, art, and the House's historic expertise.
Created in 1964, Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque is the House's first vintage cuvée. Instantly recognizable thanks to its Japanese anemones designed in 1902 by Émile Gallé, a leading figure of Art Nouveau, it embodies the elegance, floral delicacy, and precision of Perrier-Jouët's blend.
The Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2016 cuvée
Belle Epoque 2016 is a vintage champagne characterized by its subtle balance between floral freshness, chalky finesse, and silky texture. It is based on a blend designed in the purest style of the House.
- 50% Chardonnay: purity, floral notes, crystalline freshness.
- 45% Pinot Noir: structure, elegance, aromatic depth.
- 5% Meunier: fruity suppleness, a touch of indulgence.
The 2016 vintage
The year 2016 was marked by contrasting conditions: a cold, wet spring followed by late frosts, then a hot, sunny, dry summer. This change in climate allowed the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir to reach balanced maturity, with preserved acidity. The result: a vintage with great floral finesse, a silky texture, and precise aromatic expression.
The terroir
The cuvée comes exclusively from Grand Cru classified plots. The Chardonnays from the Côte des Blancs bring the floral finesse and mineral tension that are the hallmarks of Belle Epoque. The Pinot Noirs from Verzy and Mailly-Champagne, two chalky crus in the north of the Montagne de Reims, offer structure, elegance, and depth. These exceptional terroirs give the vintage its straightforward, crystalline, and harmonious profile.
Vinification
The Belle Epoque 2016 cuvée is vinified in stainless steel vats to preserve its aromatic purity. The wine is then aged for at least six years in the cellar before disgorging, allowing complex aromas and a perfectly integrated texture to develop. The dosage, measured at 8 g/L, gives it an ideal balance between freshness and roundness without masking the floral subtlety of the vintage.
Collaboration with Marcin Rusak
This box set is adorned with a botanical motif designed by Marcin Rusak, a multidisciplinary artist and designer known for his research into natural materials. His visual language—frozen plants, organic textures, intertwined blooms—evokes the interdependencies of life in the Champagne ecosystem.
The plants seem to unfold in an organic movement, paying tribute to the biodiversity that is essential to the vineyard. This creation echoes Perrier-Jouët's commitment to regenerative viticulture, which has been trialed since 2021 on 28 hectares, aiming to revitalize the soil, restore biological life, and preserve the natural balance.
Tasting notes
Color
Bright and delicate gold, with reflections evoking a sunset. Fine and regular effervescence.
Nose
Marked floral freshness: peony, honeysuckle, white flowers. The bouquet evolves towards notes of white fruits (pear, peach), with an elegant and pure signature.
Palate
Delicate, silky texture, supported by fine bubbles. Harmonious, fresh and crystalline on the palate, with a soft and perfectly balanced finish.
Food pairing
Belle Epoque 2016 calls for delicate, floral and subtle cuisine that highlights its finesse and purity.
- Sea bass carpaccio with citrus blossoms
- Delicate gougères
- Langoustine tartare
- Steamed turbot with lemon emulsion
- Free-range poultry with light sauce
- White asparagus risotto
- Citrus jelly
- Poached white peaches
- Almond and pear tart
Storage and serving
How to store this cuvée
Store the box at 10–12°C, away from light and temperature fluctuations. The bottle should be stored horizontally to preserve the seal of the cork.
Aging potential
Optimal window: 2025–2042. From 2025 to 2030, the wine will favor its fresh and crystalline floral expression. Between 2031 and 2038, it will gain in texture, revealing notes of light honey, dried fruit, and candied citrus. From 2039 onwards, it will reach a refined maturity where roundness combines with a persistent and elegant minerality.
How to serve Belle Epoque 2016?
Serve the cuvée between 46°F and 50°F. Use the Marcin Rusak flutes provided, designed to enhance the finesse of the bubbles and the floral precision. Filling the glass one-third full maximizes the aromatic expression.
Opinion of thewine guides