Reaching two centuries of history is more than just an anniversary for a Champagne house—it is tangible proof of a vision capable of transcending time while remaining true to its roots and distinctive style. In 2025, Champagne Joseph Perrier celebrated its 200th anniversary, reaffirming its status as one of the historic Maisons of France’s most beloved sparkling wine—and the only one still based in Châlons-en-Champagne.
Founded in 1825, Joseph Perrier has preserved its family identity intact, consolidating a recognized savoir-faire. Today, the baton has passed to the sixth generation, led by Benjamin Fourmon.
“A 200-year heritage for a Maison may seem like a burden to some,” he explains. “For me, it is a gift—more than that, a treasure. I see myself as the bearer of a torch. My sole objective is to make the Maison shine for years to come. If one day my children choose to join this adventure, I will be thrilled—but I will never force it. Just as my father never forced me. Our succession worked because it was never imposed; it simply happened. That is why I deeply love the responsibility entrusted to me.”
Joseph Perrier: The Last Maison of Châlons-en-Champagne Celebrates 200 Years of Heritage
The name Joseph Perrier has graced the finest tables worldwide, as evidenced by the Royal Warrant granted in 1889, making the Maison an official supplier to the British Crown—a recognition renewed by Queen Victoria and her son Edward VII.
Over two centuries, countless anecdotes have unfolded in the Maison’s 5 km of Gallo-Roman cellars carved into the rock, which have hosted iconic figures such as Joséphine Baker and former French President Jacques Chirac. In 1976, Joseph Perrier Champagne was chosen by British Airways to christen the first Concorde flight from London to New York.
These milestones paved the way for Jean-Claude Fourmon, who took the helm in 1985 after joining in 1979. It was he who reintroduced the legendary Cuvée Joséphine in 1982, originally created by Joseph Perrier himself for his daughter’s wedding—a jewel of limited-edition prestige.
Looking Ahead: Tradition Meets Innovation
Today, with a strong brand and solid foundations, Benjamin Fourmon, who succeeded his father in 2019, faces a radically different landscape:
“Challenges abound for Champagne producers,” he notes. “Climate change increasingly impacts wine evolution. Vine diseases threaten harvests year after year. And commercially, a family-owned Maison like ours cannot match the massive budgets of global giants. But we respond with what sets us apart: authenticity, tradition, loyalty, and conviviality—our defining pillars.”
Remaining a family-run business has been Joseph Perrier’s strength, renewing its drive without compromising its founding values. The focus now is on the next 200 years:
“The search for new terroirs will never end,” says Fourmon, following the launch of La Côte à Bras and Le Ciergelot ZD214. “But what excites me most today is exploring viticulture and winemaking methods. We have more options than ever before. Before seeking the next great terroir, we aim to maximize what we can control to enhance our vineyards and those of our partner growers.”
The Bicentennial Cuvée: A Tribute to Two Centuries
To mark the bicentennial, Joseph Perrier unveiled a limited-edition celebratory cuvée: Cuvée 200, available in 2,000 Magnums and 1,500 Jeroboams. Crafted from the 2015 vintage, it blends 50% Chardonnay (Premier Cru Cumières and Grand Cru Chouilly) and 50% Pinot Noir (Grand Cru Ambonnay), delivering an Extra-Brut Champagne that embodies the Maison’s depth, balance, and finesse—projecting tradition into the future.
Benjamin Fourmon’s Most Memorable Vintage
“The greatest thrill I’ve had from opening a Joseph Perrier bottle was with the 1976 vintage,” he reveals. “Perhaps because it resembles me most—but it certainly left the deepest mark. Other loves followed, like the Magnums of 1982 and 1989. But the first love remains 1976.”
And what’s next for Joseph Perrier?
“Over the next three years, we’ll launch three new cuvées to permanently enrich our range,” Fourmon announces.
One thing is certain: they won’t be Coteaux Champenois.
“We stopped producing them in 2008,” he concludes. “If we ever resume still wine production, it will be in partnership with a specialist. Red winemaking is a completely different story. We are masters of Champagne—and have been for 200 years. That will never change.”
