For Séverine Frerson, being Perrier-Jouët’s 8th Chef de Caves in 200 years means finding the right balance between production practices and sustainability, while remaining faithful to the Maison’s style and bringing her own personal touch.
Séverine Frerson and the Women of the Champagne Region
«Women have always played an important role in the Champagne region, such as co-founder Rose Adélaïde Jouët. She was an independent woman of character, just like me», says the Cellar Director. Since joining the Maison, she has focused on the introduction of regenerative viticulture to respond to the growing concern for biodiversity, which is essential for creating a quality wine.
«It’s a project that requires time, research and experimentation. It takes patience and dedication to produce an excellent champagne, and you have to be bold to commit to such a long-term vision».
It’s the same kind of courage that, in 1811, led the Maison’s founders to choose Chardonnay, which was little used at the time, as the distinctive hallmark for Perrier-Jouët. The grape is still the protagonist of Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs, contained in the famous bottle decorated with floral motifs. «With its sophistication and wonderful silky texture, I associate this champagne with a white orchid, my favourite flower», says Séverine.
The Regenerative Viticulture for Perrier-Jouët
A coherent style of the cuvées stems from the quality of the vineyards and, according to the Chef de Caves, is closely tied to the fertility of the soils.
«The founders of Perrier-Jouët already stressed the importance of working in harmony with nature and listening to the terroir. This is why we’ve obtained the certification for Sustainable Viticulture in Champagne and HEV (High Environmental Value). Considering the ecosystem as a whole, we’re aiming to convert 100 per cent of our vineyards by 2030 through biomass, flower coverings, the creation of green corridors and vitiforestry, which we started ten years ago by planting shrubs and hedges between our vineyards. We’re also working in this direction with our winegrowing partners because it has to be a collective effort».
This overall vision is expressed in the conviviality of the tasting ritual, which was also appreciated by Pierre Nicolas Perrier and Rose-Adélaïde Jouët, who loved receiving visitors to present their new cuvées.
«I would never taste champagne on my own. It’s an experience I always want to share with other people. With a Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé and a rib of beef during a summer barbecue with my family and friends; a delicate Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs for a refreshing aperitif; or Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2015, our latest release. With its f loral, fruity and spicy notes, it’s an exceptional wine that exudes finesse and complexity, which I keep for the moments I want to remember».
The article first appeared on Coqtail – for fine drinkers. Order your copy here
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