On March 20th, 2024, Maison Perrier-Jouët welcomed
a group of European journalists to its new tasting
room to introduce the vins clairs of the most recent harvest,
revealing the vibrance and resilience of Chardonnay.
The tasting room, completed in January 2024, is an embodiment of Perrier-Jouët’s commitments
to nature and terroir. A monumental glass column showcases the layers of the Cramant terroir
– from loose topsoil to the solid chalk below – that nourishes the House’s signature Chardonnay,
while travertine walls evoke the texture of corks. Designed for contemporary tastings, the room
features state-of-the-art video conferencing technology to enable remote and therefore more
sustainable tasting experiences. Adjustable lighting facilitates the full appreciation of the colour
of the wines, while an integrated carbon air filter and the absence of integrated drains or spittoons
ensures a pure, scent-free environment. It is a harmonious space that reflects the importance
of Chardonnay in Perrier-Jouët champagnes – past, present and future.
For over two centuries, Chardonnay has been the signature variety of the House, defining
its distinct floral style. After a year of persistent humidity and extreme heat, the 2023
harvest posed complex challenges, demanding delicate management of the harvest schedule.
The Chardonnay did best among the other varieties, surviving and thriving, yielding vins
clairs that demonstrate a delicate florality and freshness. Year after year, even in the face
of a changing climate, this grape variety proves itself a robust emblem of the Perrier-Jouët
terroir, and of the future of the House’s champagnes.
In response to the changing environment, Maison Perrier-Jouët has been working to adapt its
practices, experimenting with regenerative viticulture since 2021. With the goal of achieving 100%
by 2030, it has already doubled the surface of the regenerative experiment this past year alone.
This holistic approach considers the ecosystem of the vineyard as a whole, including the soils, the
local flora and fauna, and the human factor. It also calls for adapted vinification practices and, in
this spirit of evolution, Perrier-Jouët is soon unveiling its new cellar for experimentation, in which
it can explore ideas like blocking malolactic fermentation in its vins clairs to preserve their acidity
despite rising temperatures, or increasing the proportion of Chardonnay in its blends.
So far, this grape variety is showing extremely positive results in various trials, underscoring its
triumph in our changing climate and lighting the way for a future of balance and biodiversity.
Maison Perrier-Jouët’s Chardonnay will remain at the heart of its wine philosophy as Cellar
Master Séverine Frerson further encourages its expression – not only in the final blends, but also
in dosage liqueurs and reserve wines. In this way, the House continues to celebrate the essence of
Chardonnay, enhancing the floral aromas of its wines and accentuating their nuances
