At A Glance
- Field
- Detail
- Region
- Champagne, Montagne de Reims
- Village
- Ambonnay
- Vineyard
- 9 hectares in Ambonnay Grand Cru
- Main grapes
- Pinot Noir, with Chardonnay also planted
- Range examples
- Cuvée de Réserve Brut and Blanc de Blancs Brut
- Defining feature
- South facing vineyards on chalk soils
The Producer
Patrick has led Champagne J. Pérard Père & Fils since 1996, with his son Virgile alongside him for 16+ years after viticultural studies. The estate's vineyard spans 9 hectares in Ambonnay, a Grand Cru terroir in the Montagne de Reims.
Pinot Noir is the majority planting, with Chardonnay also cultivated. Patrick and Virgile combine ancestral practices with modern innovations in their work, carrying the family estate forward through both grape varieties.
Place
Ambonnay's south facing vineyards receive optimal sunlight, while chalk soils provide ground suited to grape growing. South facing exposure supports ripening; chalk can drain excess water while retaining moisture around the vine, helping maintain steady growth through the season.
Ambonnay Grand Cru identifies the status of the home terroir within Champagne's village classification. The combination of sunlight and chalk gives the estate conditions suited to ripe grapes with retained acidity.
Wines
The range includes Brut cuvées, a Chardonnay Blanc de Blancs, a vintage Extra Brut and a Rosé Brut. Cuvée de Réserve Brut is composed of 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay, with 55% of the cuvée coming from reserve wines. Reserve wines are held from earlier harvests and blended into a later wine to add depth and continuity. This cuvée has a brilliant gold tint, fine creamy mousse and a powerful, vinous finish.
Blanc de Blancs Brut is made from 100% Chardonnay. It shows brilliant gold with green reflections, fine persistent foam, a delicate white flower nose and a palate balanced between freshness and richness. Brut Sélection uses 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir, with pale yellow and straw hues.
The 2018 Extra Brut uses 80% Pinot Noir and 20% Chardonnay, with a light gold colour and an intense profile. Rosé Brut combines 52% Chardonnay, 32% Pinot Noir vinified as white and 16% Pinot Noir vinified as red, with a delicate salmon colour and fruity character.
Final Word
Champagne J. Pérard Père & Fils makes Ambonnay Champagne from a Pinot Noir majority planting, with Chardonnay used across the range. Cuvée de Réserve Brut brings reserve wines into the house style, while Blanc de Blancs Brut presents Chardonnay on its own.
Sources
1. https://champagne-perard.fr/ 2. https://www.finewinesdirectuk.com/shop/j-perard-cuvee-de-reserve-grand-cru-brut-champagne-nv/ 3. https://www.finewinesdirectuk.com/shop/j-perard-blanc-de-blancs-grand-cru-champagne-nv/ 4. https://www.champagne-perard.fr/en/nos-champagnes