From: Côte des Blancs, Champagne, France
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay (Blanc de Blancs)
Tasting Notes: The NV Champagne Pierre Peters Cuvée de Réserve Brut Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru is a symphony of refined flavors and aromas. On the nose, it presents a bouquet of white flowers, green apples, and subtle hints of citrus zest. The palate is greeted with a delicate mousse, showcasing flavors of crisp pear, lemon, and a touch of brioche, balanced by a vibrant acidity. The finish is long and mineral-driven, a signature of its Grand Cru heritage.
Pairing: Blanc de Blancs champagne, with its elegant and refined character, is a versatile choice for pairing with a wide range of dishes. Its crisp acidity and delicate bubbles make it an exceptional companion for seafood, particularly shellfish like oysters, scallops, and lobster, where it complements the natural brininess and delicate flavors. The champagne's light and fresh profile also pairs beautifully with sushi and sashimi, enhancing the subtle taste of the fish without overpowering it. For cheese pairings, choose soft and creamy varieties such as Brie, Camembert, or mild goat cheese, which will harmonize with the champagne's gentle fruitiness. Blanc de Blancs also works wonderfully with light poultry dishes, adding a refreshing contrast to richer, cream-based sauces. For a vegetarian option, consider dishes with mushrooms or root vegetables, as the earthy flavors create a delightful balance with the champagne's bright acidity.
About: Champagne Pierre Peters, nestled in the heart of the Côte des Blancs region, is a family-run winery with a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The winery is renowned for its expertise in producing exceptional Blanc de Blancs champagnes. The Pierre Peters estate has been cultivating vines since 1919, with a deep understanding of the terroir and a commitment to preserving the unique character of their grapes.
The Péters family has been growing grapes in Les Mesnil-sur-Oger since 1858. In 1919, Camille Péters started to bottle his wines under the Camille Péters label, and a new estate was born. In the 1930s, Camille’s then 12-year-old son, Pierre, got involved in the business, showing the wines at exhibitions in Paris. Camille died in 1944, and Pierre took over the estate at 24. Pierre dedicated himself to the estate, acquiring more vineyards and improving the wines, and through these efforts, gained a reputation for quality in Champagne. It was in 1946 that Pierre changed the name of the domaine and released the first Pierre Péters Champagne.
Pierre had three sons, two of whom became involved in the wine business: Jacques, the eldest, and François, the middle child. Jacques graduated with a degree in Oenology and his first job was at Champagne Jacquart before he joined Veuve Cliquot in the early 1960s. In 1969, when Pierre was ready to pass the estate to the next generation, Jacques declined, preferring to continue his career as Oenologist-Cellar Master for Cliquot. In 1979, Jacques was promoted to Chef de Cave at Cliquot, one of the most prestigious positions in Champagne, which he held until 2006.
In 1988, François’ eldest son, Rodolphe, was studying science in Reims: “First I studied Biology because I wanted to be Jacques Cousteau! Even if I was interested in both Enology and Marine Biology, unable to choose, a good friend of mine told me I was crazy! He said, ‘Your family has something amazing that will allow you to follow your path.’ So, I studied oenology.” After finishing his Masters in Enology, Rodolphe studied business in Reims, receiving his MBA in 1994.
In 2007, François Péters decided to step down and asked Rodolphe if he would take his place. “Yes, it is my dream, but only if Jacques, a shareholder and respected Cellar Master, is behind me. You both must agree to what I will propose,” Rodolphe said. In July of 2007, Rodolphe brought the brothers together; at this point they had not exchanged more than pleasantries in almost two decades. Rodolphe explained that he wanted to take over the domain if he could consolidate the family business. This meant buying most of the shares from the other family members and putting one person in control.
The vineyards of Champagne Pierre Peters are primarily located in the prestigious Grand Cru villages of the Côte des Blancs, such as Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Oger, and Cramant. These sites are renowned for their chalky soils, which impart a distinct minerality to the grapes. The winery focuses on the Chardonnay varietal, which thrives in this terroir, producing champagnes with remarkable finesse and elegance.
The term 'Grand Cru' in Champagne is a classification that denotes the highest quality vineyards. This status is reserved for specific villages consistently demonstrating exceptional terroir and grape quality. Grand Cru champagnes are sourced entirely from these top-tier vineyards, making them highly sought after for their superior quality and complexity.
