We all know shopping in Hong Kong can be stressful in a city that’s already fast-paced and hectic. For those looking for a fun escape from the typical, everyday routine in Admiralty, we found Perrier-Jouët’s Garden of Wonder pop-up at Pacific Place a perfect getaway.
Open for a limited time (until 26 March), the pop-up is a celebration of the new permanent permanent cuvée, Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs, available exclusively in Hong Kong for the
Asian market. A self-described ‘champagne oasis’ in the middle of the bustling atrium, the pop-up is a welcome retreat for champagne and art lovers alike.
Reminiscent of the Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs bottle itself, the pop-up offers an escape into a whimsical world of art, fantasy, and fun. Glimmering streamers of butterflies and blossoms hang from the ceilings against the backdrop of muted green and white walls, creating an ethereal forest-like background. While sipping a glass of the new cuvée, we sat back and viewed French digital artist Miguel Chevalier’s video installation ‘Extra Natural’ and explored our creative sides by joining in a flower-pressing workshop inspired by Émile Gallé, the master of art nouveau who designed those iconic anemone flowers on the bottles.
During our visit we had the opportunity to ask celebrated Cellar Master Hervé Deschamps (only the seventh in the storied champagne house’s 200-year history) why this Blanc de Blancs is so special to Perrier-Jouët and how Hong Kong got to be the first destination for this cuvée.
What was the inspiration for Blanc de Blancs?
Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs is a tribute to Chardonnay, the house’s emblematic grape variety. With its distinctive vivacity and delicate floral notes, it fully reveals the vibrant freshness of Chardonnay.
How does Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blanc differ from other non-vintage champagne?
We selected only Chardonnay grapes, harnessing the pioneering spirit of the house and two centuries of expertise with this signature grape variety. Blending Chardonnays from some of the finest terroirs in Champagne, we added a touch of reserve wines (up to 15 per cent ) and a light dosage of eight grams per litre to craft a cuvée overflowing with freshness, lightness and vitality. Perrier-Jouët Blanc de Blancs completes Perrier-Jouët’s range of classic, non-vintage cuvées, alongside Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut and Perrier-Jouët Blason Rosé.
Why did Perrier-Jouët choose to launch first in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is a strategic market for Perrier-Jouët within Asia. Perrier-Jouët sees the importance of the Hong Kong market to showcase as well as its ability in influencing neighbouring regions.
For champagne lovers who want to learn more about the collection, private tasting sessions for exclusive cuvées are available on a first come, first served basis. Those looking to try Perrier-Jouët’s new cuvée will find it a refreshing alternative to the rest of the collection. Dry and light – and a bit too easy to drink! – the Blanc de Blancs is approachable even for non-champagne lovers. Without the usual sweet aftertaste of champagne that sticks to the mouth, we were excited that, for once, maybe we could have our boyfriends or husbands finally try some champagne. Otherwise we are more than happy to sit back, rest our feet and enjoy a moment in the urban oasis while the world rushes by.
Perrier-Jouët’s new permanent cuvée Blanc de Blancs is exclusively available at the Garden of Wonder pop-up at Pacific Place daily from 12–8:30pm until 26 March. Daily champagne happy hours run from 5–7pm at $88/glass. Regular opening hour prices are $118/glass and $578/bottle. The Perrier-Jouët Garden of Wonder series continues with a champagne bar located poolside at Conrad Hong Kong, featuring a natural sanctuary with artistic installations, running from now through May.
