Joseph Perrier : Cuvée Royale Brut Vintage 2018

Characteristics and tasting advice for Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale Brut Vintage 2018

Tasting

Color

The color reveals a brilliant golden hue, enhanced by fine, persistent effervescence that reflects the elegance of the vintage.

Nose

The nose is initially subtle and silky, requiring a few moments to fully reveal its complexity. With aeration, elegant exotic notes emerge, evoking ripe pineapple, alongside a delicate floral bouquet of spring blossoms and linden. Subtle biscuity touches harmoniously complete the aromatic profile.

Palate

The attack is lively and supple, revealing an immediate citrus freshness. The palate then unfolds a lovely harmony between richness and purity, with the return of the white-flower and linden aromas perceived on the nose. The remarkably long finish releases notes of vine peach that linger with elegance and freshness.

Food and wine pairing

This vintage champagne is an ideal match for herb-roasted Bresse poultry served over a creamy Parmesan risotto. It also pairs perfectly with a veal cutlet with cream and white pepper. More broadly, this cuvée goes well with white meats in a creamy sauce, delicate fish, or seafood.

Serving and cellaring

Cuvée Royale Brut Vintage 2018 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 10 and 12°C. This champagne can be enjoyed now but will continue to evolve gracefully until around 2033.

The freshness and elegance of a vintage champagne

The estate

Founded in 1825 by Joseph Perrier in Châlons-en-Champagne, the Joseph Perrier House has remained family-owned and independent for nearly two centuries. Now led by Benjamin Fourmon, representing the sixth generation at the helm of the estate, the House owns around 24 hectares of vineyards spread across premier and grand cru terroirs on the right bank of the Marne. Recognized for its environmentally respectful approach with HVE 3 and Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne certifications, Joseph Perrier perpetuates a philosophy centered on freshness, purity, and elegance. The House benefits from an exceptional heritage with its fourth-century Gallo-Roman cellars stretching over 5 kilometers, listed as a UNESCO heritage site.

The vineyard

Cuvée Royale Brut Vintage 2018 comes from the estate’s finest plots located in the premier and grand cru villages of Champagne. The chardonnays come from Cumières, rated at 93% on the cru scale, and from Chouilly, a grand cru renowned for its outstanding white wines. The pinot noir comes from the grand cru of Ambonnay, located on the southern slopes of the Montagne de Reims. These vineyards benefit from optimal southern exposures and rest on chalky soils characteristic of the finest Champagne terroirs, offering excellent water regulation and a distinctive mineral expression.

The vintage

The 2018 vintage stands out as one of the most remarkable in Champagne’s recent history. Winter was marked by record rainfall, building up significant water reserves in the soils. An exceptionally hot, sunny summer promoted optimal grape ripening. Harvest began on August 17, the earliest date ever recorded since 1822. Yields were generous and quality exceptional. The vintage is characterized by particularly low pH levels, giving the wines remarkable freshness, and by an unusually precise expression of terroir, with each plot able to fully express its distinctive characteristics.

Vinification and aging

Cuvée Royale Brut Vintage 2018 was crafted using the traditional Champagne method. Each plot was vinified separately to preserve the specific expression of each terroir, enabling a precise blend that reflects the philosophy of the House. The champagne benefited from extended aging in the House’s historic Gallo-Roman cellars, where constant temperature and natural humidity fostered the development of its aromatic complexity. The moderate dosage aligns with the House’s contemporary approach, aimed at allowing the wine’s natural purity to shine through.

Grape varieties

Chardonnay (81%)
Pinot noir (19%).