A Champagne Love Story: Perrier Jouët
Established as the drink of love, many starry-eyed romantics will raise a glass of Champagne this Valentine’s to toast their beloved. Yet no Champagne can rival the romantic heritage and refined elegance of Perrier Jouët. Widely recognised for its connection to the art nouveau movement, immortalised by Perrier Jouët’s iconic floral bottles, it all began with a simple love story.
Founded in 1811, Perrier Jouët was the lovechild of young newlyweds Pierre Nicolas Perrier, the son of a wine grower– and Rose Adelaide (Adèle) Jouët, the daughter of a wine merchant. Ambitious and passionate, the couple invested in land in Epernay, Avize and Cramant. Set amongst some of the most prosperous Grand Cru vineyards in the Champagne region, they built the House of Perrier Jouët; still in operation two centuries on today.
Symbolic of his affection for his wife, Nicolas shared the title of the family business with Adéle, combining both surnames to form Perrier-Jouët. This was a unique and defiant gesture given the traditional position of women during the 1800s, honouring Adèle’s esteemed influence in the craftsmanship of their product. The love tale continued to flourish until Nicolas died in 1854 and their son, Charles stepped to the helm. Charles transformed the sweet Champagne typical of the time, revolutionising the industry to produce the very first modern style dry champagne that we are more familiar with today.
Oozing sophistication, femininity and beauty– Perrier Jouët has long been affiliated with royalty and prestige. In 1888 it became the most expensive and sought-after Champagne in the world; a bottle of the distinguished 1874 vintage fetching a previously unheard of record price at Christie’s art auction.
Amongst the many accolades and famous fans, legend has it that upon tasting Perrier Jouët for the first time, Dom Pérignon – a blind monk, was heard to say “come quickly, I am drinking the stars”. Whilst Oscar Wilde when arrested and brutally thrown in jail for homosexuality held his head high and ordered a glass to his cell…… And then there is Coco Chanel; the personification of high fashion and all things glamorous, who insisted she only drank Champagne on two occasions “When I am in love and when I am not”. You will still find to this day Perrier Jouët is the Champagne of choice served at Chanel events.
The iconic floral bottle that epitomises the modern Perrier Jouët brand (a triumph in itself before being filled with champagne), was first created and hand painted by the famous Art Deco painter Emile Gallé in 1902. Embossed in gold, the beautiful design connects the brand with its feminine influence and romantic heritage. Today Europe’s largest art nouveau collection is stored in a private guest house within the grounds of the Perrier Jouët chateau. A testament to the fact that the wisdom and attraction of this beautiful brand run deep, stemming from Perrier Jouët’s traditional virtues and an affinity with love, nature and art.
The lure of Perrier Jouët’s romantic history is undeniable, yet the tantalising refined bubbles within each beautiful bottle is even greater. Seeking only the finest for our guests, it is no surprise that Perrier Jouët is also our Champagne of choice. Grand Brut flows freely in all our luxury catered ski chalets for guests to enjoy till their heart is content. Over the years of partnering with Perrier Jouët, this exceptional champagne has become a pivotal aspect in many areas of our service and is the centre piece of our daily in-chalet Champagne afternoon tea.
Surrounded by the beautiful French Alps, what could be more romantic than a Perrier Jouët meal for two to set the scene for –Valentine’s proposal. However, if you’re not fortunate enough to be staying in one of our Chalet’s this Valentine’s Days – with a private chef on hand to prepare you an unforgettable meal, at least be sure to share a glass of Perrier Jouët with your greatest love… whatever or whoever that may be!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
View more of the Perrier Jouët experiences we create below.