In 1825, Joseph Perrier took control of Perrier & Fils, a Champagne house originally founded by his father François-Alexandre in Châlons-sur-Marne, now known as Châlons-en-Champagne. At that time, the region was gaining recognition for its Champagne production; notably, ten years prior, Napoleon had visited local cellars considered the best in Champagne. Joseph, having worked closely with his father as a wine merchant, was also connected to his uncle Pierre Nicolas-Marie Perrier, the founder of Perrier-Jouët.
Upon renaming the company, Joseph settled into a historic relais de poste beside a vast network of chalk cellars located in the Gallo-Roman quarries on the Marne’s left bank. These nearly two-mile-long galleries provided ideal conditions for aging various Champagne styles, from Non-Vintage to prestige cuvées.
Maintaining a family-operated business, the modern chapter began with Claude Fourmon’s son, Jean-Claude Fourmon, who took over in 1979. Notably, he presented a magnum of the 1975 Joseph Perrier to Prince Charles and Princess Diana at their wedding. Jean-Claude introduced the Cuvée Joséphine in 1982 as a tribute to his father’s favorite daughter and has since overseen the release of multiple iterations.
In the mid-1990s, Jean-Claude sold a majority stake to the Laurent-Perrier Group, but family ownership was restored in 1998 when Alain Thiénot repurchased the company. The estate’s first single-vineyard Pinot Noir, La Côte à Bras, appeared shortly thereafter.
Jean-Claude’s son, Benjamin Fourmon, became the general director in 2019 while Jean-Claude continues as the ambassador for the brand. Joseph Perrier’s vineyards span 23.3 hectares (57 acres), primarily located on the right bank of the Marne. These vineyards yield about 30% of the grapes needed for nearly a million bottles annually, with the rest sourced from long-term partnerships with growers.
Sustainability has become integral to their practices, resulting in an 80% reduction in treatment inputs and the absence of herbicides and insecticides in traditionally managed vineyards. This commitment extends to improving biodiversity and creating a sustainable ecosystem, which includes beekeeping and hedges around the vineyards.
Patrick Martin, the chef de viticulture since 1983, reflected on challenges posed by climate change, noting that recent years have caused significant difficulties in grape harvests. With winters changing and summers becoming increasingly hot, the focus has shifted to understanding and adapting to these conditions.
In 2017, Nathalie Laplaige became the first female cellar master at Joseph Perrier, taking over from the Dervin family. Her background in biochemistry and extensive experience has empowered her to refine the wine production process while maintaining the house’s distinctive style. She has worked to lighten the Cuvée Royale rosé and is exploring new fermentation techniques to preserve wine freshness amidst evolving climates.
The winery has adapted its production processes, reducing both sulfur and dosage levels. With a fresh design aesthetic for its labels, Joseph Perrier prepares to increase production capacity while striving for high-quality Champagne. As they celebrate 200 years, the house releases a limited-edition quintessence of their journey in Champagne, embodying their rich heritage and commitment to craftsmanship.
Tasting Notes
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Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale NV Brut
Blend of 35% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, and 30% Meunier. Disgorged in November 2024, this pale lemon wine features fresh apple notes and a balanced acidity. | 92 -
Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale NV Blanc de Blancs
This pure Chardonnay offers citrus and floral aromas. It delivers a sherbet lemon sweetness with a refreshing finish. | 93 -
Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale NV Brut Rosé
A blend with 10% red wine for color, this bright pink wine presents fresh floral scents and a dry, berry-fruit finish. | 93 -
Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale NV Brut Nature
Featuring 62% Chardonnay, this wine exudes freshness with lively bubbles and a crispy, dry finish. | 92 -
2015 Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royale Extra Brut
A blend showcasing complex aromas and balanced fruit flavors developed over 108 months on the lees. | 94 -
2015 Joseph Perrier La Côte à Bras Parcelle AH83 Brut Nature
This pure Pinot Noir is exceptionally aromatic and delivers a refined berry-fruit finish. | 95 -
2014 Joseph Perrier Cuvée Joséphine Extra Brut
The prestigious cuvée presents exotic aromas and a well-balanced mélange of flavors. | 95 -
2020 Joseph Perrier Le Ciergelot Parcelle ZD214 Brut Nature
This pure Meunier offers floral notes and a refreshing quality with bright acidity. | 93 -
2015 Joseph Perrier 200 Cuvée du Bicentenaire (magnum)
This bicentenary cuvée releases on a youthful note with rich fruit flavor and a restrained finish. | 94
Through two centuries, Joseph Perrier has balanced tradition with innovation, setting a course for sustained excellence in the world of Champagne.