Perrier-Jouët was established in 1811 by Pierre-Nicolas-Marie Perrier, adding the maiden name of his wife, Adéle Jouët, to name the house. They settled in the town of Épernay where they have vineyards in Aÿ, Avize, Cramant, Mailly and elsewhere; many are planted with Chardonnay, bringing a delicacy to the Perrier-Jouët style. Just seven cellar masters have held the post at Perrier-Jouët in two centuries, and it is Hervé Deschamps who is the current guardian of this heritage, being cellar master since 1993. He approaches each cuvée as if it were a unique work of art, resembling an artist who paints in wine rather than oils or water colours. The Belle Epoque conjures up all the heady panache of the famed Parisian era, the superb vintage champagne adored for its elegant finesse and beloved flowery bottle. The perfect gift in its lovely Art Nouveau packaging.