Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/615498
64 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } DECEMBER/JANUARY 2015/2016 Champagne man about town: Hervé Deschamps pours Perrier- Jouët Belle Époque poolside at Skybar on L.A.'s Sunset Strip. space within esteemed distributor Pernod Ricard's impressive portfolio. It also stems from the fact that good Champagne is a truly timeless symbol of luxury, one that needs no infusion of contemporary flair to perpetuate. "A glass of Belle Époque is like a little black dress from Coco Chanel," Deschamps states. "It doesn't need any 'bling-bling' to let you know that it is elegant. Its simplicity is enough." When we part ways at Mel & Rose, Deschamps is as vibrant as he was during the Beverly Wilshire luncheon, energeti - cally chatting up the distinctive qualities of Perrier-Jouet's 65 hectares of vineyards with signature-seeking patrons. He pauses from a discussion to bid me farewell. "I hope the next time I see you, it will be over Champagne!" he says. If that does indeed happen, I can only hope that Belle Époque and cuttlefish sashimi are involved. At the Perrier-Jouët luncheon, David Griffith, Fine Wine Specialist at John & Pete's Fine Wines & Spirits in West Hollywood, CA. Hervé Deschamps signs a bottle of Belle Époque. Fiona Canning, Trade Marketing Manager for Pernod Ricard. Julie Lions is Champagne Brand Ambassador for Pernod Ricard USA.