Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé 2013 Brut Champagne 750ml

The Belle Epoque bottle, with its hand-enameled white Japanese anemones, is one of the best-known in Champagne, and the Rosé version, made only in exceptional vintages since 1978 and released in extremely limited quantities, is its most elegant expression. It is the prestige cuvée of Perrier-Jouët, a house in Épernay founded in 1811, and it’s built from “some of the most suitable terroirs in Champagne”: Chardonnay from Cramant, Avize, and Le Mesnil, Pinot Noir from Mailly, Aÿ, Verzy, and Rilly, and Meunier from Dizy, all Grand and Premier Cru.

The 2013 is 50% Pinot Noir, of which 15% is red wine from Ambonnay, which gives the pale salmon color and the red-fruit depth, 45% Chardonnay, and 5% Meunier. It spent at least six years on the lees before disgorgement, and the dosage is about 8 to 9 g/L (sources differ). It’s 12.5% ABV. The 2013 vintage had ideal conditions that gave the wine “excellent balance and complexity.”

The house’s description: “Salmon pink pastel with bright orange reflections. Strawberry, peony, kumquat, white currant, and brioche aromas. Notes of pink grapefruit, tangerines and a lushness of brioche,” a profile that pairs best with lobster and lentils.

Critics were enthusiastic. James Suckling scored it 96: “Very pretty aromas with peach and crabapple character, as well as cotton candy and light nutmeg. Medium- to full-bodied with very fine bubbles that run the length of the wine and persist. Really fine and beautiful. Ultra-complex and refined.” Wine Enthusiast scored it 95: “This famed Champagne in its Belle Epoque flower label remains a very fine wine. This latest release is still in its vibrant fruit stage, showing no signs of aging. The hints of strawberries are balanced against the fine texture. The wine is ready to drink.” Wine Spectator scored it 93: “This rich rosé Champagne is aromatic and minerally on the nose, with smoke and oyster shell notes that transition to accent the palate’s baked white peach, grilled plum, toasted brioche and lemon curd flavors. Bright, with well-honed acidity and a crisp, lacy texture. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Drink now through 2033.” The Wine Advocate’s Yohan Castaing scored it 92: “The 2013 Brut Rosé Belle Epoque is turning out very well with a delicate, floral bouquet of peach, spring flowers, strawberries and almonds. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and elegant with a delicate mid-palate, it’s fresh and slightly tannic with a mineral, mouthwatering finish.” Decanter scored it 92: “Pale onion skin colour, refreshing, with stewed red fruits, tangy citrus and autolytic notes. Vibrant and savoury, well judged ageing, classic style.” The Wine Independent scored it 93, and the CellarTracker community averages 94.5, with a taster describing “candied strawberries, ripe raspberries, spicy currant, fragrant rose, freshly baked bread, and notable chalky minerals.”

It’s one of the most giftable, most photographable bottles in Champagne, with a wine to match: elegant, precise, fresh, with the depth of a vintage prestige rosé. It’s ready to drink now, and will keep for years (Wine Spectator suggests through 2033). Serve it at 8-10°C in a white wine glass, with lobster, salmon, sushi, duck, and berry desserts.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé 2013 is produced by Champagne Perrier-Jouët in Épernay, Champagne, France (founded 1811), a vintage blend of 50% Pinot Noir (15% of which is red wine from Ambonnay), 45% Chardonnay, and 5% Meunier from Grand and Premier Cru vineyards, aged at least six years on the lees. Dosage about 8-9 g/L. 12.5% ABV, 750ml.

Critics Reviews

James Suckling — 96 Points:
“Very pretty aromas with peach and crabapple character, as well as cotton candy and light nutmeg. Medium- to full-bodied with very fine bubbles that run the length of the wine and persist. Really fine and beautiful. Ultra-complex and refined. Drink now.”

Wine Enthusiast — 95 Points:
“This famed Champagne in its Belle Epoque flower label remains a very fine wine. This latest release is still in its vibrant fruit stage, showing no signs of aging. The hints of strawberries are balanced against the fine texture. The wine is ready to drink.”

Wine Spectator — 93 Points:
“This rich rosé Champagne is aromatic and minerally on the nose, with smoke and oyster shell notes that transition to accent the palate’s baked white peach, grilled plum, toasted brioche and lemon curd flavors. Bright, with well-honed acidity and a crisp, lacy texture. Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Drink now through 2033.”

The Wine Independent — 93 Points

Yohan Castaing, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate — 92 Points:
“The 2013 Brut Rosé Belle Epoque is turning out very well with a delicate, floral bouquet of peach, spring flowers, strawberries and almonds. Medium to full-bodied, seamless and elegant with a delicate mid-palate, it’s fresh and slightly tannic with a mineral, mouthwatering finish.”

Decanter — 92 Points:
“Pale onion skin colour, refreshing, with stewed red fruits, tangy citrus and autolytic notes. Vibrant and savoury, well judged ageing, classic style.”

CellarTracker community — 94.5 average (7 reviews)

Perrier-Jouët (tasting notes):
“Salmon pink pastel with bright orange reflections. Strawberry, peony, kumquat, white currant, and brioche aromas. Notes of pink grapefruit, tangerines and a lushness of brioche.”

Tasting Profile

Nose
Salmon pink with orange reflections. Strawberry, peony, kumquat, white currant, redcurrant, and orange zest, with peach, crabapple, smoke, and oyster shell.

Palate
Bright and seamless, with baked white peach, grilled plum, lemon curd, toasted brioche, and pink grapefruit, with a crisp, lacy texture.

Finish
Long and mouthwatering, with mineral notes, smoky minerality, and ground ginger.

Quick Overview

Food Pairings

• Lobster and lentils
• Salmon and sushi
• Duck and charcuterie
• Berry desserts

Serving Note

Serve at about 8-10°C in a white wine glass rather than a flute.