Genoels-Elderen Zwarte parel |-| Perfect Belgian apero

A clear, light straw-yellow color with a broad effervescence in your glass. On the nose, aromas of citrus and exotic fruits such as pineapple, melon, grapefruit, and lemon emerge. On the palate, it offers a fresh, juicy texture with abundant yellow fruit aromas. The Black Pearl is entirely aged in stainless steel tanks. During bottling, yeast and sugar are added, triggering a secondary fermentation in the bottle. This fermentation creates carbon dioxide in the bottle. Made according to the Méthode Traditionnelle, this wine is aged for a minimum of 18 months in the bottle. Made from 100% Chardonnay, making it a Blanc de Blancs.

Serving Suggestions:
This is an excellent aperitif, which can also be paired with light appetizers. Serve at 10-12°C.
It also pairs wonderfully with seafood platters.

Storage:
This sparkling wine is not designed to be stored but to be enjoyed fresh!

Additional Information:
In 1993, ‘Het Kiezelingenbos’ was planted with special varieties of Chardonnay vines, exceptionally suited for producing fine sparkling wine. The plan was to start producing sparkling wine when the vineyard reached 10 years of age. In 2003, we harvested for the first time with this intention. Two varieties of this sparkling wine are available for sale: the Black Pearl Brut and Silver Pearl Brut. In 2009 and 2010, the vineyard was expanded to 11.5 hectares with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. From 2011, this parcel also produced Rose Pearl Brut.
   
The Black, Silver, and Rose Pearl Brut, as well as The Pearl 08, are all produced according to the strictest standards of the Méthode Traditionnelle.
The base wine is made like other still wines. However, during bottling, yeast and sugar are added, triggering a secondary fermentation in the bottle. This fermentation creates carbon dioxide and pressure in the bottle (up to 6 Bar).

The sugars are converted into alcohol, and the process stops when all the sugars have fermented. This results in sparkling wine, but also leaves a small amount of sediment in the bottle. The wine then ages on this sediment for a certain period, which has a very positive impact on the wine. According to the Méthode Traditionnelle, the wine must age on this sediment for at least 9 months.

Our three Pearls meet these strict standards. The Rose Pearl ages for 9 months, the Black Pearl ages for 18 months in the bottle, and the Silver Pearl, aged in oak barrels, matures for 36 months in the bottle. After this, remuage and dégorgement follow.

During this process, the bottles are regularly rotated a quarter turn, so they eventually stand upside down. The sediment in the bottle slowly moves to the neck.

The process of removing this sediment is called ‘dégorgement.’ The neck of the bottle is frozen, forming a frozen plug of sediment in the neck. Using a special machine, this plug is removed along with the crown cap. The bottle is then sealed with its final cork and left to rest for at least 3 months before being sold.