Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Magnum 1.5L

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut Magnum is a 1.5 litre bottle of the Épernay house’s non-vintage Brut Champagne, the same as two standard bottles. It blends Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay with a share of older reserve wine, and pours at 12% ABV.

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Grand Brut is where the Perrier-Jouët range starts. Recent blends are around 40% Pinot Noir for structure, 40% Meunier for round, ripe fruit and 20% Chardonnay for freshness, a grape central to the house’s floral style. About 15% is reserve wine up to five years old, which keeps the style consistent from release to release, and the wine ages for around three years before disgorgement. Dosage is typically about 8 g/l, a classic Brut. The house dates from 1811, when the couple Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Rose-Adélaïde Jouët set it up, and its prestige wine, Belle Epoque, still comes in the bottle painted with Émile Gallé’s 1902 anemones. Séverine Frerson has been cellar master since 2020.

Expect a fresh, floral style: white flowers, pear, white peach and citrus, with a little fresh bread from the lees and a light, clean finish. Grand Brut is lighter and more delicate than many Pinot-heavy non-vintage Champagnes, so it suits guests who prefer an elegant, easy-drinking style.

The magnum pours about 12 glasses, ideal for a wedding toast, a big birthday or Christmas on the deck. A large bottle takes longer to chill, so give it four to five hours in the fridge or half an hour in an ice bucket with water, and serve at 8 to 10°C in tulip glasses. Pair it with smoked salmon blinis, freshly shucked oysters, crab cakes or roast chicken. Magnums also age more gracefully than standard bottles, so it can sit lying down in a cool, dark spot for a year or two before the big day.