Drink of the Day: Dom Pérignon 2013

Drink of the Day: Dom Pérignon 2013

The Dom Pérignon 2013 vintage represents a specific expression of the storied Champagne house, reflecting a growing season defined by a long and cool climate. This sparkling wine is produced by the renowned house of Moët & Chandon, which operates under the LVMH umbrella. It serves as a modern continuation of a legacy that traces its roots back to the 17th century.

Company History

The history of the brand is inextricably linked to the Abbey of Hautvillers, where the Benedictine monk Dom Pierre Pérignon served as cellar master starting in 1668. While popular myths often credit him with the invention of sparkling wine, his actual contributions involved pioneering techniques such as the blending of grapes from different vineyards and strict vine pruning to improve quality. Today, the brand is produced by Moët & Chandon, which maintains the spirit of the original abbey traditions while utilizing modern production facilities. The house continues to honor the monk's original ambition to create the best wine in the world through rigorous selection and blending processes.

Product History

Dom Pérignon is exclusively a vintage champagne, meaning every bottle contains grapes harvested within a single year. The first commercial vintage was released in 1936, utilizing grapes from the 1921 harvest. The 2013 vintage is characterized by its vibrant and fresh profile, which has evolved into a mature yet vital expression over time. The production process relies on the assemblage of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes sourced from 17 Grands Crus, including the historic vineyards of Hautvillers.

Review

The 2013 vintage has been evaluated by several prominent industry publications. Wine Enthusiast awarded the wine 97 points, noting its structural elegance and depth. Decanter provided a score of 96 points, highlighting the wine's precision and long finish. James Suckling also rated the vintage at 97 points, praising its complexity and refined texture. These scores result in an average rating of 96.7 points.

Serving Guide

Glassware: Tulip-shaped champagne flute or white wine glass | Serving temperature: 8 to 10 degrees Celsius | ABV: 12.5%

Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled to preserve the delicate effervescence and aromatic profile.
• Pair with light seafood dishes such as oysters, scallops, or sashimi to complement the wine's acidity.
• Avoid using ice directly in the glass, as it dilutes the complex flavors of the vintage.
• Consider serving alongside aged parmesan or truffle-based appetizers to highlight the wine's savory notes.