Perrier-Jouët Celebrates its 200th Anniversary in Paris with the Unveiling of the World’s First Living Legacy Champagne
Paris, March 22nd, First Day of Spring 2011/PRNewswire/ — Last night saw Champagne House Perrier-Jouët celebrate its bicentenary with the unveiling of Bi-Centenaire—the very first Living Legacy champagne designed to be passed on to future generations.
An exclusive guest list gathered for the unveiling of a new kind of Champagne experience by the house renowned globally for its Belle Époque Cuvée. Guests were also treated to the unveiling of a new work of art commissioned from American artist Daniel Arsham, designed to embody the spirit of Bi-Centenaire—A true invitation to celebrate life.
Perrier-Jouët Bi-Centenaire tells the unexpected tale of a great vintage wine with two stories. The first takes place today: a champagne-lover treats himself to a magnum of Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 1998. Many years later, a descendant in turn enjoys a magnum of Belle Epoque 1998, passed down through the generations, preciously stored in a private cellar in Perrier-Jouët for up to 100 years.
To achieve this elegant defiance of time, the vintage has been carefully chosen for its exceptional ageing capacity by current Cellar Master Hervé Deschamps, the only seventh cellar master in the house’s 200 year-history.
Just 200 guests from 10 countries attended the private launch, set in the stunning glass courtyard of the iconic Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris, symbolizing Perrier-Jouët’s passionate family spirit for passing on artisanal and artistic craftsmanship. Guests enjoyed a unique exhibition of photographic portraits by legendary Studio Harcourt*, showcasing iconic examples of family legacy including French Movie Stars Alain Delon and daughter Anouchka, Catherine Deneuve and son Christian Vadim, American model and actress Jerry Hall and daughter Georgia May Jagger, French artists Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and son Louis-Marie, the world’s oldest Circus dynasty Patriarch Sampion Bouglione and son Francesco, France’s oldest Jeweller Olivier Mellerio and daughter Emilie and Italian legendary wine maker Marquis Antinori and daughter Alegra.
A sumptuous champagne-paired celebratory dinner followed, orchestrated by notorious French Chef Jean-Louis Nomicos** who reinterpreted superbly the 1911 Perrier-Jouët Centenary menu paired with Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Cuvées, including the exceptional Cuvée Belle Epoque 1998 in magnum.
Speaking on the night, Chairman & CEO of Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouët Lionel Breton: "We are very proud to celebrate tonight the bicentenary of Perrier-Jouët with this unique champagne experience as a real tribute to the house’s remarkable craftsmanship and passion for passing on a sense of French art de vivre to future generations."
Amongst the other VIP guests were also Spanish choreographer and dancer Blanca Li, English designer and restaurateur Sir Terence Conran and Daughter Sophie designer, Noë Duchaufour-Lawrance, French TV presenter Stephane Bern, Japanese art photographer Makiko Takehara, Spanish Fashion Designer Isaac Reina, Michelin star Chefs Albert & Alain Roux.
The evening concluded with the unveiling of Daniel Arsham’s*** unique diptych sculpture, revealing glimpses of the bottles through an original and distinctive architecture, designed to express the philosophy of this champagne. Daniel Arsham: "It was this spirit of Perrier-Jouët continuity that I wanted to illustrate by creating a diptych that combined both the essence of Perrier-Jouët and my universe. My initial inspiration came from Perrier-Jouët’s vines and its cellars, the detail of Emile Gallé’s anemone flower."
Perrier-Jouët Bi-Centenaire is available in very limited quantities (100 pieces only) at the Champagne House’s Boutique in Epernay and by appointment only including a privileged hospitality experience. It is also available through the exclusive Pernod Ricard network for an average RSP of 10 000 euros.
Last night saw that exceptional skill in wine-making is truly worthy of bequeathing as a legacy to the next generation who embody the same art de vivre.
Photography and Press materials
To download the PR materials and photos of the event, please go to
http://digitalpressroom.perrier-jouet.com
For further information about the brand, please go to:
www.perrier-jouet.com
Press inquiries/further information
Please contact: Stéphanie Mingam - Perrier-Jouët Communications Department
- +33(0)6-27-00-24-76 / +33(0)3-26-49-69-77
Editor’s note
Perrier-Jouët is one of the most prestigious House of Champagne whose heritage dates back from 1811. Part of Pernod Ricard portfolio, co-leader in Spirit & Wine in the world, Perrier-Jouët is the number 3 best-selling Cuvée in the US and number 2 prestige Cuvée in Japan.
*Studio Harcourt
For over 70 years, portraits by Harcourt have been a part of the collective memory and have become an institution. Founded in Paris in 1934 the studio Harcourt’s archives includes 5 million prints, having portraying more than 1500 celebrities and over 500 000 people. For further information www.studio-harcourt.eu
**Jean-Louis Nomicos
French Star Chef Jean Louis Nomicos has recently opened his own restaurant in Paris, Les Tablettes Jean-Louis Nomicos. His cuisine is of simplicity, and refinement, influenced by his Mediterranean roots. For further information: www.lestablettesjeanlouisnomicos.com
*** Daniel Arsham
A rising star in the international art world, Daniel Arsham blurs the boundaries between art, architecture and the performing arts, working with Merce Cunningham, for whose last work he designed the scenography. Arsham has also teamed with choreographer Jonah Bokaer and made special projets with fashion designer like Hedi Slimane and recently Richard Chai. He has been represented by Galerie Emmanuel Perrotin since 2003. For further information: www.perrotin.com
**** Perrier-Jouët Bi-Centenaire Menu
Légume de fleurs de Printemps en macédoine aux saveurs d’agrumes - Cuvée Belle Epoque 2004
Homard Belle Epoque - Cuvée Belle Epoque 2004
Poularde truffée Lamberty et ses petits pois Morilles - Cuvée Belle Epoque 1998 Vintage
Bombe glacée 2011 Rose et Framboises - Cuvée Belle Epoque Rosé 2002
