Dom Perignon : Vintage 2012

A fresh, aromatic and rich vintage champagne by Dom Perignon

The producer

Dom Perignon champagne owes its name to the famous monk and prosecutor of the Abbaye d’Hautvillers in 1668, Pierre Perignon, known as Dom Perignon. According to legend, Pierre Perignon discovered what is known today as the méthode champenoise. According to the story, he taught this method in 1669 to the Benedictine Thierry Ruinart who then historically founded Ruinart, the very first Champagne house, in 1729. Vincent Chaperon took over from Richard Geoffroy on 1 January 2019 as the Head Cellar Master of the Dom Perignon Champagne House.

The wine

In essence, Dom Perignon only exists as a vintage champagne, to bring out the nuances of a single year's harvest. Dom Perignon Vintage champagne is made from an extremely rigorous selection of the best grapes. Depending on the quality of the vintage, Dom Perignon chooses whether or not to declare that vintage and produce a sparkling wine. Characterized by its remarkable fullness and harmony, Dom Perignon Vintage champagnes are released following over 8 years of aging in the house's dark cellars.

The vintage

2012 was a vintage in which particularly variable and difficult climatic conditions impacted the vineyard. Marked by episodes of frost, winter gave way to a spring of successive frosts, heavy rainfall, hailstorms and a sudden drop in temperatures during the flowering period. The hot and dry climate of the summer, especially in August, was optimal both for relieving sanitary pressure and for promoting the ripening of the fruit. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes harvested between September 10 and 26 revealed a perfect balance between tension, freshness and richness. Despite low yields, 2012 was a great vintage and gave rise to exquisite Champagnes.

The blend

The fruit of a masterful blend, this Dom Perignon Vintage 2012 sparkling wine comprises a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Dom Perignon's Vintage 2012: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Color
A light gold color with a pearl-like effervescence.

Nose
The complex nose of this wine blends floral (white flowers) and fruity (apricot, plum) aromas with a beautiful minty freshness and subtle smoky notes, leading to a tasty minerality.

Palate
The precise and generous palate of this sparkling wine reveals a lively effervescence. Over the course of the tasting experience, the palate exudes notes of ginger, tobacco and toast and weaves into a tighter finish that boasts a pleasant persistence.

Food and wine pairing

This fresh and mineral champagne will pair beautifully with an array of seafood dishes.