Allied Domecq Spirits and Wine (UK) Ltd (ADUK) has released the 1997 vintage of their super premium Champagne brand, Perrier-Jouët, which will be in market from the Autumn with an RRP of £26.99.

“Near perfect weather during September ‘97 ensured a top quality vintage across most of the Champagne region,” comments Hervé Deschamps, Cellar Master at Champagne Perrier-Jouët.  “The weather enabled us to hand pick the grapes at optimum ripeness, although acidity levels were slightly lower than in 1996. As a result, the 1997 is developing a little earlier and is already drinking well. 

Deschamps continues, “Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut 1997 is an elegant and rich champagne displaying butter and brioche aromas on the nose with hints of peach and pear. It has a complex and well structured palate of peach and grapefruit giving way to a lingering, elegant finish.  The wine will continue to mature for several years and is showing excellent ageing potential.”

The Perrier-Jouët house style is elegant and crisp, driven by the quality of the Chardonnay grapes in the blend.  Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut 1997 is made up approximately of one third Chardonnay from Cramant and Avize with Pinot Noir from Mailly, Verzy and Äy and Pinot Meunier from various vineyards in the Vallée de la Marne.  The wine was disgorged in 2002 having spent five years on the lees to add extra complexity.

Mark Wallace, Senior Brand Manager for Champagnes at ADUK comments, “Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut 1997 Champagne is perfect for celebrating those intimate moments when something really special is required.  The extra depth and complexity of the wine make it truly memorable and initial feedback from the trade suggests that this is likely to be a very sought after vintage.”

Perrier-Jouët Brut 1997 Champagne is available from ADUK or John Harvey & Sons with an RRP of £26.99.

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Notes to editors

PERRIER-JOUËT^® Champagne is a registered trademark of Champagne Perrier-Jouët.

For further information, please contact:

Bryony Wright

Jefferson Hunt Communication Consultants

Tel: 0117 909 1834/ 07974 741764           

Email: bryony@jeffersonhunt.co.uk