Dom Perignon - A global champagne icon

Moët & Chandon’s cuvée Dom Pérignon is a dominant brand in the Champagne industry, renowned for its distinctive label and worldwide recognition. Let us tell you about the history, what is happening at the Champagne House, and the notable vintages of Dom Perignon.

 

History of The man, the legend: Pierre Pérignon

Dom Pérignon was a Benedictine monk who directed wine production at the Abbey of Hautvillers until his death in 1715. He is credited with introducing several winemaking practices, including pruning hard to limit yields, delicate handling of grapes during harvest and press, and blending fruit from complementary sites across Champagne. The Abbey's wines attained notable renown under his leadership, and his grave can be found in a part of the abbey typically reserved for abbots.

However, the myth that Dom Pérignon invented sparkling Champagne arose in the 19th century, despite no evidence to support it. In fact, he likely worked hard to eliminate bubbles from the abbey's still wines. Similarly, the notion that he was blind is also a misconception. He would taste wines "blind" before blending them, but his aptitude for combining complementary sites before fermentation, rather than finished wines, earned him his reputation as a master blender.

In 1927, the Dom Pérignon brand passed to Moët & Chandon through Francine Durand-Mercier's dowry upon her marriage to Comte Paul Chandon-Moët. The Abbey of Hautvillers has been owned by the Chandon family for over a century, and it is currently home to Moët’s Dom Pérignon tasting room. The first vintage under the Dom Pérignon brand was in 1921, effectively vintage Moët placed in an antique-form bottle with a shield-shaped label. From 1949 to 1977, René Philipponnat oversaw production, and the cuvée came to be vinified exclusively in stainless steel.

 

Dom Perignon House Style:

In its youth, the house style of Dom Perignon is characterized by distinct notes of toasty and smoky aromas resulting from reduction. As it matures and ages on cork, it gradually unveils fragrances reminiscent of pear, peach, and tangerine, while the initial reductive signatures transform into subtler hints of wheat toast and iodine. Dom Pérignon's style remains consistent with its focus on elegance, complexity, and finesse.

 

"There is a magical quality to Dom Perignon that sets it apart. Its vibrant acidity, exquisite complexity, and persistent finish make it one of the world's most sought-after champagnes." - Antonio Galloni

 

Richard Geoffroy: Chef de Cave 1990 to 2008

Richard Geoffroy has been the creative guide of Dom Pérignon for 28 years, declaring 15 vintages that reveal the unique character of each season. A native of Vertus in the Côte de Blancs, Geoffroy grew up in the Champagne region. He has shown a commitment to the Maison's aesthetic ideal and vision. Whilst increasing both production quantity and quality, Geoffroy pushed Dom Pérignon’s stylistic envelope, picking riper fruit and lowering dosage. Geoffroy's commitment and vision have been a clear motive for the brand's success.

 

Vincent Chaperon: Chef de Cave 2008-present:

Richard Geoffroy was replaced by Vincent Chaperon as Dom Pérignon's chef des caves on January 1, 2019, after working alongside him for 13 years. His responsibilities will include upholding Dom Pérignon's vision and heritage and continuing the brand's commitment to producing exceptional champagne vintages, which is fundamental to its existence.

 

Notable vintages of Dom Perignon:

Dom Perignon 2013:

The Dom Perignon 2013 is defined by the long, cool growing season resulting in a tight and focused wine with true longevity. The nose is toasty, full of lees character, and the classic Dom Perignon gunpowder followed by a rich bready finish. Reminiscent of great vintages from the 1980s, such as 1988. 

Dom Perignon 2012:

The 2012 Dom Pérignon displays remarkable density and power, leaving one almost taken aback by its intensity and unbridled strength.

Dom Pérignon 2008:

A big powerful vintage in which Dom Perignon had one of the wines of the vintage from Champagne. This will last for another 40-50 years so one for the cellar, if you aren't tempted to open it before then.

Dom Pérignon 2006:

A vintage full of tension, the 2006 Dom Pérignon is a dense and powerful Champagne that is tightly wound. The 2006 needs time in the cellar to show its full potential to show but those patient enough will be richly rewarded.

Dom Pérignon 2004:

This vintage is characterized by its freshness and vibrancy, with flavors of citrus, white flowers, and brioche. Where 2008 has power and 2002 ripe fruit, 2004 offers balance and finesse. 

Dom Pérignon 2002:

2002 in Champagne is considered one of the greatest in recent years and Dom Perignon's offering is no exception. The critics scored the 2002 very favorably and it's an unforgettable vintage with lots of ripeness, power, and finesse. A must for champagne lovers.

Dom Perignon 1996:

Robert Parker JR wrote that "The brilliant 1996 Dom Perignon, which has largely disappeared from the marketplace, may be the finest young example of DP I have ever tasted. Notes of crushed rocks, honeysuckle, lemon oil, orange marmalade, and white pear provide a stunning aromatic display as well as palate impression." 

 

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