2002 Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé

This week, I had the pleasure of participating in the celebration around the 200^th anniversary of Champagne powerhouse, Perrier-Jouët, hosted at the beautiful Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, NJ.

The exclusive event featured Perrier-Jouët Chef de Cave, Hervé Deschamps, one of only seven Cellar Masters in the 200 year history of the famed Champagne house.  Mr. Deschamps thrilled the crowd with the sabering of a Champagne bottle.  Really neat.

The five wines that were served were fantastic.  I’m a huge fan of bubbly wines, so this event was such a special treat for me.  Here are the Champagnes we sampled:

• Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut: Understated elegance and subtle flavors – $45.
• Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé: Palest pink, creamy and a bit smoky – $85.
• 2004 Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Brut: Golden, yeasty, floral, crisp in the well-known flowered bottle – $150.
• 2002 Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé: Ripe strawberry, rich texture, long finish – fabulous – $350.
• 2000 Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs: 100% Chardonnay, moussy, fresh, crisp yet rich and honey-flavored. Just the ultimate Champagne – $400.

I enjoyed all the wines, but the 2002 Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé and the 2000 Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs were just very special.

Each wine was expertly paired with delicious small plates that enhanced the qualities of each of the Champagnes being poured.

I’ll be popping open Perrier-Jouët for several celebrations I have in October.  Don’t wait for the holidays to pop open this liquid gold – just do it for the special mood it’ll put you and your guests into.

Cheers,

Veronique