I've Tried Hundreds of Spirits. This Champagne Is My Favorite for Special Occasions—Including New Year's Eve
When a champagne bottle arrives on your doorstep nestled in a kit with two flutes, you know you’re in for a good time. For me, that experience came courtesy of one of my best friends, who sent me Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs for my birthday a few years ago.
Fast-forward to this Christmas. I decided to bring a bottle of the same stuff home to Los Angeles to share with my family for the holidays. I'd been pondering what champagne would present beautifully and be exciting for my mom to pop open but wouldn’t break the bank—there were still presents to be purchased, after all. Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs ended up being the answer.
There’s a reason why champagne is the go-to drink for celebrations. Back in the 17th and 18th centuries, European kings and queens loved to drink champagne, especially during big events like French coronations in Reims, where it was made.
Sparkling bubbles and cork-popping fun made it feel naturally special. Over time, champagne came to symbolize luxury and success because it was rare and expensive. In the 19th century, champagne makers like Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot marketed it as the perfect drink for special milestones.
This New Year's Eve, you might not be sabering your bottle open like they did during military victories. But there’s still a special joy in filling a flute full of something bubbly and delicious.
Founded back in 1811, Perrier-Jouët has built a reputation over the centuries for producing elegant champagnes, which are also known for their distinct floral notes.
Blanc de Blancs—which translates to 'white from whites' in French and refers to a champagne made exclusively from white chardonnay grapes—is a relatively recent addition to the maison’s portfolio, just introduced in 2017. Despite this, it draws on the brand’s centuries long history and expertise.
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Most champagnes are blends that could potentially include pinot noir and pinot meunier, red grapes that help lend structure and richness to a bottle of bubbly. Inspired by the historic Blason de France, the Perrier-Jouet prestige cuvee is blended from their 1955 harvest, the brand’s first prestige bottling in partnership with Relais & Chateaux.
As such, Blanc de Blancs is a more delicate expression, usually offering a champagne that's bright and fresh with minerality and floral notes. The production begins with selecting chardonnay grapes from grand cru vineyards before three years of aging in the cellars.
This particular style of champagne is perfect for those who prefer a more refreshing profile. Sommeliers and chefs love it for its versatility, since it can pair well with a wide variety of dishes, from seafood to pasta and beyond. It’s one aspect that makes this bottle an all-occasion sipper.
Though I've described Blanc de Blancs as a lighter champagne, that doesn’t make it inherently simple. In this case, what’s in the bottle is nuanced and balanced, making it perfect for celebratory sipping.
The first taste of Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs opens with a lively burst of citrus and stone fruit, including lemon and apricot, followed by a delicate floral bouquet of white flowers and honeysuckle. There’s also a healthy dose of minerality that keeps the champagne feeling fresh and clean. As the wine warms slightly in the glass, I love the subtle bakery notes of brioche and almond—a testament to its longer aging process.
I can’t lie and say that bottle design didn’t also factor into my purchase decision. I appreciate that the maison’s whole history is steeped in creativity, from its collaborations with art nouveau artists to the elegant floral anemone designs that adorn its bottles. While still remaining distinctive, it doesn’t feel gaudy. And for around $100, it's worth the price to make your New Year's extra special.