Handcrafted Champagne : Maison Henriot

 

Recently, Champagne Henriot has been particularly covered by the specialized press. In February 2020 a highly talented new cellar Master has started a new path : Alice Tetienne. She is highly graduated and has worked for top wineries in Champagne : Laurent-Perrier and Krug (just to name a few).

What makes Alice Tetienne different or so special?

She is, obviously, in charge of the winemaking and blending process, but also responsible for the viticulture one, which is very rare. In other words she will have a eye on covercrops if needed or not, on ploughing in order to force the vines’ roots to dive deeper into the soil. Global warming is, unquestionably, another subject to handle primarily in the vineyard, and Alice is totally aware of this.  Her obsession is improving quality, and thus, crafting significantly more precise and terroir focused Champagne. Which could be, nowadays, one of the greatest challenge for Champagne Houses, by the way.

 

Maison Henriot was founded in 1808, by widow Appoline Henriot. It should be noted that 78% of all the planting in Champagne is covered by black grapes : Pinot Noir and also Pinot Meunier. Maison Henriot defines itself as a Chardonnay’s specialist. Therefore, most cuvées are chardonnay dominated and particularly their “Hemera” bottling!

Brut Souverain :

50% Chardonnay

45% Pinot Noir

5% Pinot Meunier

Tremendous Champagne, vinous and elegant. Generally overlooked.  Aged at least 3 years on the lees with less than 8gr/L of of sugar.

 

Blanc de Blancs :

100% Chardonnay

A white wine produced from white grapes! That is what “Blanc de Blancs means, as it has been mentioned before most champagne are elaborated from black grapes.

Here, the brightness of the Chardonnay combined with the minerality of some great terroirs comes through. 2/3 of the fruit is sourced in the Côtes des Blancs (1er Crus and Grand Crus), including Mesnil sur Oger and Avize! The Blanc de Blancs has been aged 4 to 5 years before to be released, and again there is less than 8 gr/L of residual sugars.

The style is fresh, elegant with discreet layers of complexity. A true Blanc de Blancs style!

 

Cuvée Hemera

First released with the 2005 vintage, “Cuvée Hemera” takes its name from the greek goddess of day and light. Due to such tribute, it is an exclusive blend of 6 Grand Crus :

  • Mailly, Verzenay and Verzy (montagne de Reims)
  • Chouilly, Avize and Mesnil-sur-Oger (Cotes des blancs)

It combines, equally, the strength and depth of the finest Pinot Noir with the brightness and elegance of the most sought-after chardonnay from La Côte des Blancs.

Differing from many other top cuvees in Champagne, Cuvée Hemera is aged in Maison Henriot, at least 12 years ont the lees. The result is mind blowing, or taste-buds blowing;-))

Complex, rich and elegant without losing freshness. It is like drinking an aged white burgundy with bubbles. A stunning experience, that needs delicate and noble dishes such as scallops, caviar or lobster.

Last but no least…

Cuvée 38

100% Chardonnay

100% Grand Cru

100% Cotes des Blancs

In 1990, Joseph Henriot had a vision that resulted in “cuvée 38”. A perpetual blend, something that could recall the solera system in southern Spain. When older wines are “refreshed” with younger wines. This outstanding Blanc de Blancs sources its chardonnay exclusively from 4 of the finest Grand Crus :

  • Chouilly
  • Avize
  • Oger
  • Mesnil sur Oger

Hence, each year a portion of Chardonnay is added to the vat, named “Cuvée 38”, capturing the essence of every vintage.

A limited edition, that exist solely in magnum.

 

To conclude, we are undoubtedly convinced and enchanted with Henriot’s great Champagne. Although, new blood, new ideas and vision can bring Henriot to a upper quality level. Can’t wait!