JOSEPH PERRIER
KEY MOMENT
Joseph Perrier, a producer of particularly stylish, elegant champagnes, is one of the oldest yet also the most discreet houses in the region. The brand’s young CEO promises that all this is about to change.
with Benjamin Fourmon
The key I am holding in my hand, down here in our beautiful, historic cellars, was given to me by my father when he retired. I was just 33. He opened the doors to our wine cellars in the heart of Châlons-en-Champagne. We are the
only big brand in this town. My great-great-grandfather, winemaker Paul Pithois, passed it on to his son, and on down it went. The key is a symbol of family tradition and timeless continuity. Paul Pithois was able to acquire Joseph Perrier from its founding family in 1888. He was the first generation of Pithois-Fourmons to run Joseph Perrier, and I represent the fifth generation. The Perrier family comes from Côte des Blancs. François-Alexandre Perrier founded Perrier fils & Compagnie in 1800. His son Joseph gave the brand its current name in 1825. Joseph Perrier has remained on the same premises throughout. We are virtually part of the furniture. Joseph Perrier was the mayor of Châlons, and if you ask any of the locals today about features of the town, then Joseph Perrier’s historic cellars will come up almost automatically.
There are no other examples of Gallo-Roman tunnels with a ground-level entrance. Our three kilometres of cellars, where we still work today (and which are only occasionally open to visitors), are unique, beautiful and historic. They sit beneath a chalk hill towering behind the buildings, and were extended from 1800 onwards. Light wells run up to the surface of a 2.5-hectare park that we tend with great care. The ancient trees, or rather their roots, are what keep the moisture perfectly regulated. We have 22 hectares of our own vines and produce less than a million bottles, making us one of the region’s smaller producers.
This is not going to change. ‘Small but perfectly formed’ is my motto. Joseph Perrier may not be the most famous champagne house, but it can compete with the
best in terms of quality. This is something I intend to make more widely known. Producing a top champagne first and foremost requires top-quality grapes. We have contracts
with winegrowers in the best locations, some of which go back generations. Then, it takes an experienced cellar master and lots and lots of time to mature. Our ideal cellars are a clear advantage.
Champagne Joseph Perrier
Joséphine Brut 2008
19 points | 2020 to 2023
A reticent, complex, mineral nose with citrus fruit, herb and spice
aromas, exceptionally spirited and fresh with a wonderful structure
and never-ending finish of grapefruit notes with mineral touches.
Champagne Joseph Perrier
Cumières La Côte à Bras Blanc de Noirs Brut Nature 2010
17.5 points | 2020 to 2022
Its vintage bottle age, its prune aromas and its powerful, vinous, yet
still very juicy structure make it perfect for the table, for example with
a piece of very mature cheese or a free-range pork chop.
Champagne Joseph Perrier
Royale Brut Rosé
17 points | 2020 to 2023
An astonishingly tempting redcurrant, cherry and starfruit nose,
perfect structure, spirited, juicy and pleasantly lingering, crisp, refreshing,
immensely fruity, with the notes from the nose reappearing in
the finish. Superb, characterful.
Champagne Joseph Perrier
Royale Brut
16 points | 2020 to 2021
Refreshing lime aroma with spicy and mineral touches, decidedly
spirited and fresh on the palate, juicy and crisp yet also vinous, lingering,
with perfect dosage (7g/l), excellent value for money.
[source: Vinum Magazine]
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