Champagne, FranceDom Pérignon is named after the 17th century Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon (1638-1715), who, by legend, is said to have invented sparkling wine while cellarmaster at the Abbey of Hautvillers. This is fake news, as is the notion he was blind. However, he did make the first clear still red wine, the first clear sparkling from red grapes (Blanc de Noir), put thought into the blend and picking times, propelled the use of cork closures and Verre Anglais (strong, coal-fired English glass), and invented the shallow Champagne basket press. So, we do have a lot to thank this humble monk for. This is the prestige cuvée of Moët et Chandon since 1937. 2013 is quite a late vintage, in October, and with climate change, may be the last time we can say that. This year's blends 49% Pinot Noir with 51% Chardonnay, disgorged in October 2021 with a dosage of 5g/L. Upon opening, this is tight and nervy, with a puff of smoked stone and mandarin rind, which yields into toasted brioche, almond patisserie, cherry blossoms, lemon pith and peel, and anise, over a deep chalky base. This bottle is showing much better than the last time I tried the 2013, 2 years ago. Tasting well now, and yet with time ahead.Tasted: 04 November 2025Tasted by: Prices:
Champagne, FranceThe most classic of the Classics? Dom Pérignon is named after the 17th century Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon (1638-1715), who, by legend, is said to have invented sparkling wine while cellarmaster at the Abbey of Hautvillers. This is fake news, as is the notion he was blind. However, he did make the first clear still red wine, the first clear sparkling from red grapes (Blanc de Noir), put thought into the blend and picking times, propelled the use of cork closures and Verre Anglais (strong, coal-fired English glass), and invented the shallow Champagne basket press. So, we do have a lot to thank this monk for. This is the prestige cuvée of Moët et Chandon since 1937. 2013 is quite a late vintage, in October, and with climate change, may be the last time we will say that. This year's blends 49% Pinot Noir with 51% Chardonnay, disgorged in October 2021 with a dosage of 5g/L. This opens tightly, with a puff of smoked stone and subtle tangerine oil gliding into a relatively slim palate (for Dom, mind) of dough, red apple, vanilla wafer, suavely shaped with bright lemon acidity, trailing with a wake of washed salinity. More subtle mineral and less powerful than typical, 2013 (a tricky year) is a low-fi Dom for me, though certainly pleasant enough to drink now.Tasted: 09 November 2023Tasted by: Prices:
quicksearch
