What is a perpetual reserve in Champagne production?

• A. A reserve blend aged for several years in oak.
• B. A term for the cellar where the oldest bottles are stored.
• C. A separate bottle type used for a special cuvée.
• D. A vat of reserve wine aging multiple vintages together in the same vessel - similar to a solera.

Answer: (D)

A perpetual reserve is a system where reserve wine from multiple vintages is kept and aged together in the same vessel, continually refreshed by adding the newest vintage and removing wine for blends. This creates a running stock that carries forward characteristics from older vintages, helping to maintain a consistent house style and add depth from long-term aging. It’s akin to a solera in spirit, but applied to Champagne production, rather than simply aging a single batch or storing the oldest bottles. It’s not about aging a reserve blend in oak or about a separate bottle type or a dedicated cellar for old bottles; the defining idea is the ongoing, mixed-vintage aging in one vessel.