Dom Perignon

Dom Perignon is the prestigious brand of vintage release only champagne produced by Moet & Chandon. It is named after Dom Perignon a Benedictine monk who was an important quality pioneer for Champagne wine but who, contrary to popular myths, did not discover the champagne method for making sparkling wines. 

Dom Perignon (1638–1715) was a monk and cellar master at the Benedictine abbey in Hautvillers which is just a short drive from Epernay. He pioneered a number of winemaking techniques and also introduced corks. The first vintage of Dom Perignon was 1921 and was only released for sale in 1936, sailing to New York in the liner Normandie. Until 1943, Dom Perignon was produced from the vintage Moet & Chandon Champagne that was transferred to the 18th century style bottles after extended cellaring, however since 1947, Dom Perignon has been produced independently from the start.

 

Dom Pérignon is always a vintage champagne, meaning that it is not made in weak years, and all grapes used to make the wine were harvested in the same year. Around 5 million bottles are produced in each vintage which need at least 12 years ageing.

So what does Champagne Dom Perignon taste like and is it really worth the price many venues will list it for? You are very much better enjoying Dom Perignon well aged over any new release – Dom Pérignon is aged for a minimum of 7 years in bottle before release which is a great start, though many vintage Champagne connoisseurs will say that Dom Perignon is far better enjoyed with 20+ years of aging! Dom Perignon is a highly collected and demanded Champagne, the 1996 vintage Dom Perignon is very popular now in 2024!

Expect a crisp and acidic style Champagne if enjoyed relatively young. Fruits displayed will show yellow fruits with cream, subtle pasty notes, white floral. As you enjoy more aged labels, the yeasty / toasty notes will increase along with dried white stone fruits. Those labels which are 25 year and more will have added stewed orchard fruits and honey.

 

How many labels does Dom Perignon producer? You’ll be pleased to know that there is a fair bit to discover with brand Dom Perignon. There is a range to explore along with special releases of which some are highly collectable vintage Champagne – The brand has been recently tying themselves with some big name celebrities and limited edition releases to further expand their brand recognition globally.

Dom Perignon labels:

Vintage Brut

Vintage Rosé

Plénitude 2

Plénitude 2 Blanc

Plénitude 2 Rosé

Plénitude 3

Plénitude 3 Blanc

Plénitude Rosé