CHAMPAGNE DOM PERIGNON

ALWAYS A VINTAGE CHAMPAGNE

If Dom Pérignon is one of the most prestigious Champagne houses in the world, it is not for nothing. Distinguishing itself from the other great names in Champagne, the house offers exclusively Vintage Champagnes. This brand produces its cuvées only from exceptional years. Each Dom Pérignon vintage is made from the best grapes harvested in the same year in the vineyard, which makes it special. These cuvées are thus among the few Vintage Champagnes produced in Champagne. It should be noted that 95% of the wines produced in the region are cuvées classified in the NV or non-vintage range.

At Dom Pérignon, each Vintage Champagne has its own identity and style, a true interpretation of the year's climate and harvest. Each year, the cellar master creates the story of a new vintage by preserving the brand's style while revealing the unique expression of that exceptional year.

Moët & Chandon produces the Dom Pérignon brand of Champagne, for which it operates a vineyard of more than 1,200 hectares. The largest in Champagne! As far as Dom Pérignon is concerned, the grapes used for the elaboration of the brand's cuvées are the fruits of about 600 hectares of vines classified as Grands Crus and Premiers Crus. Dom Pérignon's prestige cuvées have been a worldwide success for many years. These Vintage Champagnes are renowned for their aromatic complexity, but also for their structure and body, which give each vintage a unique character. Marketed since 1936 by the great house of Moët & Chandon, they make up a particularly extensive range of Champagnes. Each of these cuvées perfectly reflects its constant search for excellence and its values of innovation. The production of Dom Pérignon Rosé, a cuvée that is obviously vintage, since 1959, is proof of this.

The quest for the absolute, a special skill

Unanimously recognised by Champagne enthusiasts, Dom Pérignon owes its reputation to its Vintage Champagnes. These exceptional cuvées are the result of irreproachable winegrowing know-how at every stage of production, preserved and enriched century after century. This expertise is based on ten fundamental principles, reflecting the philosophy and vision of the brand, enshrined in the Dom Pérignon Manifesto. This is a text that governs each stage in the creation of the house's Champagnes.

The uniquely vintage character of Dom Pérignon is the first of these precepts. As mentioned above, the grapes used contribute considerably to the quality of these Champagnes. Indeed, they come from the most prestigious terroirs of the Champagne region: Montagne de Reims, Vallée de la Marne or Côte des Blancs. The production of a blended Champagne is another rule that the Dom Pérignon house never deviates from. Like a conductor, the cellar master brings together the terroirs to create a unique and exceptional composition. From the best crus of the Champagne region, the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes are used to create unique vintages. From the work in the vineyard to the maturation phase of the wines, blending remains in focus at every stage of the production process. Dom Pérignon Champagnes are also recognised and acclaimed for their remarkable aromatic complexity, another fundamental principle enshrined in the Manifesto. A slow maturation takes place over time, giving these prestigious cuvées a complex aromatic palette. Indeed, year after year, the textures and aromas of the Champagnes evolve without suffering the effects of oxidation. With their distinctive saline minerality, Dom Pérignon Champagnes have a particularly high ageing potential. The transmission of this know-how ensures the continuity of the house and the quality and style of Dom Pérignon wines. Embodying the soul and spokesman of the creative ambition of Dom Pérignon, Richard Geoffroy was the cellar master of the estate for more than 28 years. During all these years, this medical doctor and trained oenologist worked to achieve the ideal of Dom Pérignon's vision. He declared fifteen different vintages, ensuring a perfect balance between the brand's unique style and the personality of each vintage. In 2019, Vincent Chaperon, who worked closely with Richard Geoffroy during his thirteen-year apprenticeship, succeeded him. As the estate's new cellar master, he is responsible for preserving the Dom Pérignon legacy and ensuring the continuity of this great Champagne house.

PRICES IN KEEPING WITH DOM PÉRIGNON'S EXCELLENCE

The search for the ultimate perfection of Champagne wine is the philosophy of the Dom Pérignon house. Driven by an unwavering commitment to express the uniqueness of each vintage, this Champagne brand aims to achieve the harmony of a constantly evolving nature. Never accepting any concession, the house will not hesitate to refuse to propose a vintage if a harvest does not meet Dom Pérignon's criteria and the result is not exceptional. Thanks to the house's unique know-how and its perpetual quest for the profound aesthetic ideal, Dom Pérignon produces exceptional vintages. Testifying to their rarity and character, the latest cuvées have been praised by leading experts such as Wine Spectator, Jancis Robinson, Robert Parker Wine Advocate and James Suckling. However, Dom Pérignon's creative heritage is not just about the wine itself, but also about its Champagne bottles. The brand has worked with iconic artists to create even more creative and original bottles and boxes. The American artist Andy Warhol, the German artist Mickaël Riedel, the Icelandic singer Björk and the Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka, among others, have designed some of Dom Pérignon's boxes and labels. Singer Lenny Kravitz and Lady Gaga have also collaborated with the brand to satisfy their never-ending quest for harmony and perfection, and to explore their infinite creativity. Among the most original packaging is the luminous Dom Pérignon bottle, whose label lights up in the dark. Other exceptional limited edition bottles are also produced by the brand such as the Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage Coffret Gold 2000.

Much more than a simple Champagne brand, Dom Pérignon is a worthy representative of French luxury. Moreover, it is one of the Champagne houses belonging to the luxury group LVMH. LVMH is also the head of other prestigious estates such as Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart and Krug. At Dom Pérignon, the price is equal to the excellence of the Champagnes and the magnificence of the bottles and boxes.

HIGHLY AWARDED VINTAGES

Symbolising excellence and perfection, Dom Pérignon Champagnes bear witness to a perfect mastery of Champagne vinification. To showcase the expression of an exceptional year, the brand offers a plethora of cuvées: Vintage, Plénitude and Rosé. Each with its own identity, Dom Pérignon's nectars are renowned for their distinctive style, combining finesse and toasty aromas. Recognised for their high quality, Dom Pérignon Vintage Champagnes are highly awarded by the greatest wine critics. Some vintages particularly stand out by obtaining a score higher than 90/100: 95/100 for the Dom Pérignon P2 2003, 97/100 for the Dom Pérignon P2 2002, 98/100 for the Dom Pérignon Rosé 2002 or 99/100 for the Dom Pérignon P3 1990.

Dom Pérignon Plénitude

The concept of "Plénitude" was launched by Richard Geoffroy. According to this former cellar master of the house, this word, corresponding to a period of serenity and lightness of being in maturity, perfectly reflects Dom Pérignon Champagne. For him, the evolution of the wine is not linear, but by stages, to finally reach a form of plenitude. A Champagne goes through three stages of development: the plenitudes. Materialising the balance obtained, the First Plenitude, P1 or Dom Pérignon Vintage is marketed after 9 years or more of maturing. Entitled Dom Pérignon P2, the second plenitude is obtained after 12 to 15 years of development. Plénitude 2 embodies the energy of metamorphosis. The last level of expression of the Champagne is the last plenitude or Dom Pérignon P3, marketed after 25 years or more. Rare and exceptional, this cuvée, one of the most prestigious in the world, is the result of patient work, but also of the passion of its creators.

Dom Pérignon Vintage

With its remarkable harmony, the Dom Pérignon Vintage perfectly reflects the oppositions and complementarities, the contrasts and paradoxes created by the creative process, thus revealing the identity of each vintage. Complete and changing, the nose reveals a fruity and floral bouquet evolving towards vegetal, then mineral and spicy notes. The palate is dominated by a beautiful energy.

Dom Pérignon Rosé

Boldness, intensity and power define Dom Pérignon Rosé Champagne. This cuvée reflects the creative power of the brand, freeing itself from the codes of Champagne production. A true tribute to Pinot Noir, this cuvée highlights the original brilliance and complexity of this grape variety through a bold blend. Benefiting from a slow evolution and a controlled transformation in the cellar for nearly twelve years, Dom Pérignon Rosé reveals itself as vibrant, spontaneous and intense.

A CHAMPAGNE HOUSE SYNONYMOUS WITH FRENCH LUXURY

The story of Dom Pérignon began at the Abbey of Hautvillers, near Épernay, where the Benedictine monk Pierre Pérignon took up the post of cellarer in 1668. Dom Pierre Pérignon aspired to create the best wine in the world for his community. Revolutionising viticulture, he developed a method that has become the benchmark for Champagne wines. Invited to Versailles, at the table of Louis XIV, his wine marked the birth of French luxury. Since then, the Dom Pérignon Champagne house has perpetuated the work and vision of this remarkable craftsman, pursuing his quest for the aesthetic ideal. Each vintage of this luxury Champagne perfectly expresses the creative legacy left by Dom Pierre Pérignon. Reflecting the luxury side of the brand to perfection, the limited edition Champagnes are a true ode to creativity. Inviting a quest for perfection, harmony and self-reinvention, the Dom Pérignon Lady Gaga limited editions symbolise the creative dialogue between the brand and the singer. Bottles with an innovative design, celebrating creative and absolute freedom! As for Lenny Kravitz, he acted as both art director and photographer for the brand. This collaboration explored the limitless creativity resulting from the artist's and Dom Pérignon's inspiration. As a result, a limited edition bottle of Champagne and a box with an innovative design were born.

A MYTH EMBODIED BY A FOUNDING MONK

The Dom Pérignon brand inherits its name from the exceptional craftsman Dom Pierre Pérignon, cellarer of the Abbey of Hautvillers. This visionary and daring monk was perfectly involved in the exploitation of the vineyard and the production of wine, dedicating himself to the quest for the best wine in the world. During his lifetime, this Benedictine monk gained a high reputation for the quality of his still wines, produced from grapes from the "River" and "Mountain" of Reims. At the time, the wines of Épernay were known as "vins de la rivière".

Who is Dom Pérignon?

Pierre Pérignon was born in Saint-Menehould, in Argonne, in 1638. He was ordained a priest in 1667 before becoming cellarer at Hautvillers Abbey the following year. Founded by Saint Nivard, Archbishop of Reims, around 650, this Benedictine abbey had been destroyed and rebuilt several times before being rebuilt under the impulse of Catherine de Médicis, during the 16th century. When Dom Pierre Pérignon took up his post at the abbey, he took charge of the renovation work and the construction of new buildings. In addition, this Benedictine monk was responsible for the management of monastic affairs and the development of the vineyard. According to written documents, he was called "Dom procureur" or "Dom Pierre".

To find the best possible taste, Don Pierre Pérignon started blending several grape varieties. According to legend, he tasted the grapes of different Champagne crus and grape varieties to create the blends, despite his blindness. Thanks to his great gustatory sensitivity, he was able to determine the typicity of a cru by classifying it according to the year of harvest. Dom Pierre Pérignon mastered every step of the wine-making process, from viticulture to blending and vinification. In addition to having improved the quality of red wines, he was also at the origin of soft pressings in order to obtain white wines from the Pinot Noir grape.

Dom Pierre Pérignon, who died in 1715, devoted 47 years of his life to the creation of Champagne wine. However, no one can really attest that he was the sole initiator of the Champagne wine making process. What is certain is that he excelled in the art of wine making. In fact, in 1718, an anonymous author wrote a treatise on viticulture and wine making in Champagne. In this text, a passage concerning Dom Pérignon states that "No man has ever been more skilful at making wine; it is he who has made the wine of this famous abbey.

A name associated with the discovery of the Champagne method

As mentioned above, Dom Pérignon Champagne owes its name to this illustrious monk and procurator of the Abbey of Hautvillers in 1668. According to legend, Dom Pierre Pérignon developed the méthode champenoise. The most common story is that he discovered the controlled method of foaming the Champagne wine inside the bottle. In order to make the bottles more aesthetic and cleaner, but also for better preservation, the Benedictine monk is said to have poured beeswax into the neck of the bottles. This made the bottles completely airtight. However, because of the pressure, a large proportion of the bottles exploded after a few weeks. This explosion is due to a second fermentation caused by the sugar in the wax falling into the bottle. The malic acid is then transformed into lactic acid, which is more carbonic. According to this legend, the discovery of Champagne by Dom Pérignon was thus the result of chance.

However, it should be noted that the bottling of wine in glass began in the 1660s and around 1670 in Champagne. The choice of this material was made in order to improve the conditions of conservation of the aromas. It should also be noted that the English invented the resistant wine bottle long before, but also discovered the cork stopper, already used in Portugal and Spain. The bottling was done before the end of the first fermentation. This, however, naturally gives the wine a sparkling character. The pressure caused the bottles to explode or the corks to pop. The winegrowers called sparkling wines 'cork jumpers' or 'devil's wine'.

To improve the quality of the wine and to fight against foam, which can lead to a manufacturing defect, Dom Pérignon is said to have discovered in 1670 the ancestral method of vinification of the sparkling wines of Limoux, during a pilgrimage to the Benedictine abbey of Saint-Hilaire, in the Languedoc. This process consists of bottling the wine before the end of fermentation. A technique that has existed for over a century! In response to the enthusiasm of the French Court of Louis XIV for sparkling wines, Dom Pierre Pérignon tested the method on Champagne wines on his return to the Abbey of Hautvillers. He chose to use a cork stopper, held in place by a hemp string impregnated with oil, to close the bottles. This type of stopper preserves the freshness and the foam of the sparkling wine. To avoid explosion, Dom Pierre Pérignon would have recommended the use of a thicker glass to reinforce the bottles.

Although Dom Pierre Pérignon's reputation as the initiator of the Champagne method dates back to the 17th century, the first cuvée bearing his name was not produced until 1921. Since then, the Champagne house has never ceased to renew itself and to demonstrate its creativity in order to offer cuvées that are ranked among the most famous in the world. Exceptional Champagnes to be found without delay on Vinatis!