Champagne and The Art Nouveau of Perrier-Jouët's Maison-Belle Epoque

by Paige Donner

There are frequent associations between art and champagne, but it's particularly Art Nouveau that is most linked with this wine. Some art historians reference the culture of the Roaring 20's (Les Années Folles in French, or literally the "Crazy Years") that became inextricably linked with champagne. And champagne still maintains, to this day, its reputation for fun, frivolity and celebration. 

Perrier-Jouët Cellars and Maison Belle- Epoque Champagne photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015 All Rights Reserved

Perrier-Jouët Cellars and Maison Belle- Epoque Champagne photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015 All Rights Reserved

Perrier-Jouët Cellars and Maison Belle- Epoque Champagne photo by Paige Donner copyright 2015 All Rights Reserved

One celebrated house in Champagne, the house of Perrier-Jouët, cultivated their link to Art Nouveau and elevated it to lofty heights that surpass a mere "collection" of art and indeed borders on a living, though very much privately held, museum quality display of original Art Nouveau pieces. 

[The Maison Belle-Epoque of Perrier-Jouët houses] ...One of the largest private collections of the Art Nouveau movement... A place in which enchantment reigns, with over 200 works and unique pieces by the greatest names in Art Nouveau, from Majorelle and Guimard to Lalique and Rodin.  -   Perrier-Jouët

The loving restoration of this historic house, one of the oldest luxury champagne companies in France, founded in 1811, took nearly 8 years to complete and was overseen by the current President and Director, Pierre Ernst.   The charming villa was once inhabited by Pierre-Nicolas Perrier and Adélaïde Jouët, who formed the champagne house Perrier-Jouët when they married. The Maison Belle-Epoque on the Avenue de Champagne in Champagne is not open to the public but can be toured by private appointment.

In 1902, Emile Gallé, one of the movement's most celebrated artists, designed a swirl of anemones wreathed in gold for the Perrier-Jouët bottle. An unusual bottle, a true homage to nature as a source of inspiration, where the swirls of the white flowers echo the floral and delicate style of the wine, and become the emblem of the House.

A visit to their cellars underneath the house is also not to be missed. In keeping with the house's dedication to art and artists, the cavernous chalk cellars, some of the most iconic in Champagne, house a remarkable art installation, one of two, that was imported from its original exhibition at DesignMiami. It's called Lost Time, and it's by the talented Anglo-Dutch duo Glithero.

More Info about Perrier-Jouët HERE.

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♥Chérie Du Vin