Dom Perignon

Question 1

Who was Dom Pierre Pérignon?

Answer 1

The spiritual father of Champagne and developer of the ‘Méthode Champenoise’.

Question 2

What was Dom Pérignon’s vision in 1668?

Answer 2

To create the best wine in the world.

Question 3

Where is the Abbey of Hautvillers located?

Answer 3

In France; it was founded in 650 and later became home to Dom Pierre Pérignon.

Question 4

What is Dom Pérignon’s production constraint?

Answer 4

Dom Pérignon is always a vintage, meaning every bottle is made from the harvest of a single year.

Question 5

What does ‘vintage champagne’ mean?

Answer 5

It refers to champagne made exclusively from grapes harvested in a single year.

Question 6

How many Grands Crus and Premier Crus are used in Dom Pérignon?

Answer 6

The wine uses 17 Grands Crus and the legendary Premier Cru of Hautvillers.

Question 7

What are the four pillars of Dom Pérignon’s quest for harmony?

Answer 7

Intensity, precision, minerality, and tactile complexity.

Question 8

What characterizes the Dom Pérignon style?

Answer 8

It is based on contrasts, with harmony achieved through Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

Question 9

What is the minimum aging period for Dom Pérignon Blanc?

Answer 9

A minimum of 7 years on the lees.

Question 10

What is the minimum aging period for Dom Pérignon Rosé?

Answer 10

A minimum of 8 years on the lees.

Question 11

What does the term ‘Plénitude’ refer to?

Answer 11

Successive windows of expression as the champagne evolves over time.

Question 12

What is ‘Plénitude 2’?

Answer 12

Dom Pérignon’s second life, with wines aged for about 15 years to achieve greater complexity and vitality.

Question 13

What is ‘Plénitude 3’?

Answer 13

The ultimate expression of Dom Pérignon, aged for 20 years or more to reach prodigious longevity.

Question 14

What is unique about Dom Pérignon Rosé?

Answer 14

It embodies the thrill of Pinot Noir, with boldness, depth, and harmony achieved over 10 years of elaboration.

Question 15

Who is the current Chef de Cave of Dom Pérignon?

Answer 15

Vincent Chaperon, since January 1st, 2019.

Question 16

What kind of glassware is recommended for Dom Pérignon?

Answer 16

Special Dom Pérignon glasses developed by Riedel to enhance the wine’s aesthetics.

Question 17

What does ‘mise sur pointe’ mean?

Answer 17

A process where bottles are positioned upside down to increase protection from oxygen and slow maturation.

Question 18

What is the minimum time on the lees for Dom Pérignon Rosé in Plénitude 2?

Answer 18

18 years.

Question 19

How is Dom Pérignon vintage 2010 described?

Answer 19

It required equal parts mastery and humility, according to Chef de Cave Vincent Chaperon.

Question 20

What materials are used in Dom Pérignon’s minimalist vinification?

Answer 20

Only stainless steel vats to maintain original freshness.

Question 21

What are some key characteristics of Dom Pérignon’s style?

Answer 21

Intensity, precision, minerality, and tactile complexity.

Question 22

What does extended aging on cork provide?

Answer 22

It boosts the profile created by lees aging, adding depth and complexity.

Question 23

What is unique about Dom Pérignon’s foil?

Answer 23

It is traditional, thin, and antique-styled, designed to adhere to the bottle.

Question 24

How should Dom Pérignon’s foil be opened?

Answer 24

Simply pluck out the tab, turn the bottle six times, and loosen the cage.

Question 25

What role did Dom Pérignon play at the Royal Court of Versailles?

Answer 25

He created wines that were served under King Louis XIV, known as the Sun King.

Question 26

What is the hallmark of Dom Pérignon's collection of old vintages?

Answer 26

It serves as the living memory of the Maison, showcasing the longevity and evolution of the wines.

Question 27

What defines Dom Pérignon Plénitude 2?

Answer 27

It represents the apex of vitality, precision, and complexity after 15 years of maturation.

Question 28

How is Dom Pérignon Rosé Plénitude 2 different from standard Rosé?

Answer 28

It requires a minimum of 18 years of maturation to achieve harmony and depth.

Question 29

What is the role of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in Dom Pérignon wines?

Answer 29

They play with contrasts, creating tension and complexity in the blends.

Question 30

What are some food pairings recommended for Dom Pérignon?

Answer 30

It pairs well with seafood, caviar, and dishes with complex flavors.

Question 31

What is the significance of the Abbey of Hautvillers?

Answer 31

The Abbey of Hautvillers, founded in 650, became the home of Dom Pierre Pérignon, where he developed the foundations of modern Champagne.

Question 32

What was Dom Pierre Pérignon’s role at the Abbey of Hautvillers?

Answer 32

He was a monk and cellar master who sought to perfect wine production in service to God and the Sun King.

Question 33

How did Dom Pérignon improve wine production at Hautvillers?

Answer 33

He developed techniques such as blending wines from different vineyards and using corks to preserve wine quality.

Question 34

What was Dom Pérignon’s legendary quote about Champagne?

Answer 34

"I am drinking the stars!"—attributed to his joy in perfecting sparkling wine.

Question 35

Who inspired Dom Pérignon to create exceptional wines?

Answer 35

His work was dedicated to glorifying God and serving the Sun King, Louis XIV.

Question 36

What challenges did Dom Pérignon face in developing Champagne?

Answer 36

He worked to prevent bottles from exploding due to fermentation, perfecting the corking method to manage pressure.

Question 37

What is the significance of Dom Pérignon’s motto, 'No limit in creation'?

Answer 37

It reflects the continuous pursuit of perfection in every vintage.

Question 38

What defines the philosophy of Dom Pérignon vintages?

Answer 38

Each vintage embodies the unique qualities of the harvest year, expressing the Maison's commitment to creativity.

Question 39

How does Dom Pérignon achieve harmony in its wines?

Answer 39

By balancing the contrasts between Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.

Question 40

What is the role of minerality in Dom Pérignon’s wines?

Answer 40

The wines exhibit a dark minerality, evoking both the sea and the earth.

Question 41

What is the tactile quality of Dom Pérignon wines?

Answer 41

The wines are described as silky, creamy, and seamless.

Question 42

What is the importance of precision in Dom Pérignon winemaking?

Answer 42

Every sensation in the wine must be perfectly clear and in the right place.

Question 43

How does Dom Pérignon ensure non-stop monitoring of its wines?

Answer 43

The wines are monitored continuously during aging to ensure they are released at the perfect moment.

Question 44

What is the significance of the first Plénitude (P1)?

Answer 44

P1 represents the wine’s initial window of expression, with a minimum of 7 years on the lees.

Question 45

What happens to bottles during 'mise sur pointe'?

Answer 45

Bottles are riddled and placed upside down to slow down maturation and protect against oxygen.

Question 46

What does Plénitude 2 (P2) offer compared to P1?

Answer 46

P2 offers greater energy, precision, and vitality, achieved through extended aging for 15 years.

Question 47

What does Plénitude 3 (P3) represent?

Answer 47

P3 represents the wine's apex, with a minimum of 20 years of aging, offering prodigious longevity.

Question 48

What is the importance of stainless steel vats in Dom Pérignon's vinification?

Answer 48

Stainless steel preserves the original freshness of the wine by minimizing external influences.

Question 49

What is the sensory thrill associated with Dom Pérignon Rosé?

Answer 49

It embodies the thrill of Pinot Noir, balancing boldness with harmony.

Question 50

How many Blanc and Rosé vintages has Dom Pérignon produced?

Answer 50

44 Blanc vintages and 26 Rosé vintages.

Question 51

What inspired Dom Pérignon’s collaborations with artists like Lenny Kravitz?

Answer 51

The brand’s philosophy of transcending experiences aligns with artistic creation and innovation.

Question 52

How does Dom Pérignon appeal to VIPs?

Answer 52

The brand attracts powerful and influential individuals with its iconic lifestyle and magnetic presence.

Question 53

What does Dom Pérignon’s 'Maison’s Heritage' emphasize?

Answer 53

The importance of tradition, legacy, and the continuous evolution of the wines.

Question 54

What defines Dom Pérignon’s limited editions?

Answer 54

Each limited edition highlights artistic collaborations and unique packaging to reflect the brand’s luxurious identity.

Question 55

How are old vintages described within Dom Pérignon’s collection?

Answer 55

They serve as a living memory of the Maison, showcasing the depth and complexity developed over time.

Question 56

What role does harmony play in Dom Pérignon’s wine philosophy?

Answer 56

Harmony is achieved through balance, tension, and seamless integration of flavors.

Question 57

How does Dom Pérignon manage contrasts in its blends?

Answer 57

By playing with the tension between the structure of Pinot Noir and the elegance of Chardonnay.

Question 58

What is Dom Pérignon’s commitment to time?

Answer 58

The Maison believes in slow maturation to allow the wines to express their full potential at the right moment.

Question 59

What kind of experiences does Dom Pérignon aim to create?

Answer 59

Sensory and emotional experiences that transcend the ordinary, inspiring those who enjoy the wine.

Question 60

What was Dom Pérignon’s role in shaping the French 'Art de Vivre'?

Answer 60

His wines became a symbol of luxury and refinement at the court of Versailles under Louis XIV.