Product Information:
Generosity and deliciousness characterise this champagne. Coming from 12 crus, the diversity of wines selected in the blend offers a wide aromatic palette with a low dosage of 7g/L. Complexity is a given, comprised of 50-70% base vintage, and 30-50% from reserve wines this adds elegance and finesse to the wine. Indeed, multiple notes play together: from flambéed pineapple to fresh citrus fruits, passing through wet chalk sprinkled with subtle pastry notes. On the palate, its velvety texture is owed to a minimum 3 years ageing. This champagne has an incredible velvety texture accompanied by extraordinary freshness.
In 1880, when Paul Henriot, 4th generation of the family, married Marie Marguet, from a family owner of Grands Crus in the Côte des Blancs, a new grape variety joined Maison Henriot’s vineyard: Chardonnay. In order to pay tribute to it, the Henriot family decided to make a Champagne with the same blending philosophy established by Apolline Henriot in 1808. Henriot Blanc de Blancs is thus a blend of all the vineyards planted with Chardonnay, expressed through different periods of life.
Maker:
Maison Henriot, inspired by Apolline Henriot, aims to craft exceptional Champagnes that embody the vineyard's generosity, elegance, and distinction. The Henriot family's roots in Champagne trace back to 1640, when they transitioned from cloth merchants to wine producers in Reims, building a reputation for quality. Officially founded in 1808, the family transitioned from brokering wines to acquiring vineyards, eventually earning the title of official supplier to the Imperial and Royal Court of Austria in 1850.
Champagne Henriot is a distinguished, family-owned house with a rich heritage in the Champagne region. At the heart of their offerings is the Brut Souverain, the house's flagship wine, crafted from a harmonious blend of approximately equal parts Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, with a touch of Pinot Meunier.
The Henriot family manages around 35 hectares (87 acres) of vineyards across the Vallée de la Marne, Montagne de Reims, and the Côte des Blancs, supplying about 20% of their grape needs. The remaining fruit is sourced from trusted contract growers. Pinot Noir is primarily sourced from premier and grand cru sites on the northern slopes of the Montagne de Reims, while Chardonnay, Henriot's most important varietal, comes predominantly from the Côte des Blancs. Their portfolio features a range of expressions, including a generic Blanc de Blancs and the premium Cuve 38, which is exclusively from grand cru vineyards. Henriot also produces a Demi-Sec, Rosé Brut, and both Vintage Brut and Rosé.
In 2020, the Alliance Terroirs project was launched under the leadership of Cellar Master Alice Tétienne. This initiative focuses on sustainable viticulture practices to combat global warming while preserving the essence of Champagne. As Tétienne notes, there are no shortcuts when working with nature; respectful practices are essential for success. Over two centuries, Maison Henriot has remained dedicated to producing exceptional wines that reflect Champagne's rich heritage.
Philosophy:
The Champagne region features a diverse range of terroirs shaped by vineyard exposure, slopes, soil types, and cultivation practices, all contributing to its richness. From the outset, Apolline Henriot aimed to celebrate the vineyard's beauty. Over generations, the Henriot family, trained as agricultural engineers, has enhanced their expertise in vine care. The Alliance Terroirs project, initiated in 2020, continues this legacy by focusing on understanding terroirs, adapting viticultural practices, and promoting sustainability.
As part of the Alliance Terroirs initiative, Henriot is transitioning to organic viticulture, which involves using natural products and ensuring a deeper understanding of the vines. Alice adds, “With climate change, it is essential to protect and encourage biodiversity.” This commitment not only enhances the vineyard's sustainability but also improves the working conditions for those involved in its care.
Nose - Grilled Pineapple, Lemon Curd, Chalk
Grilled pineapple, lemon curd, toasted sourdough, chalk, puffed rice and hints of balsamic on the nose.
Palate - Pillowy, Tangerine, Tangy Acidity
Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and nicely concentrated, with tangy acids and a pearly mousse.
Finish - Fresh Baked Bread, Refreshing, Dry Finish
Quite high acidity, which refreshes the palate and balances out the dosage liqueur. Clean, dry finish. Very good length and balance.
(2022) A rich and flavorful Blanc de Blancs with grilled pineapple, lemon curd, toasted sourdough, chalk, puffed rice and hints of balsamic on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with silky bubbles and fresh acidity. Delicious spice notes at the end. Chardonnay. 2015 base vintage with 35% reserve wines. 6g/l dosage. Disgorged May 2019. Drink now or hold. - James Suckling, 93 Points.
(2022) Based on the 2015 vintage, the new release of Henriot's NV Blanc de Blancs bursts with expressive aromas of white peach, tangerine, sweet orchard fruit and freshly baked bread. Medium to full-bodied, pillowy and nicely concentrated, with tangy acids and a pearly mousse, this new disgorgement is showing particularly well. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate, 92 points.
(2020) Light straw colour, toasty developed bouquet, very Champagne-like, creamy, slightly honeyed. But it's also very complex for its station, revealing a big proportion of aged reserve wines. Quite high acidity, which refreshes the palate and balances out the dosage liqueur. Clean, dry finish. Very good length and balance. A very smart wine. (2014 base vintage; 40% reserve wines, 4-5 years on lees) - Huon Hooke, The Real Review, 96 Points.
The Finer Details
Style - Champagne
Varietal - Chardonnay
Country - France
Region - Champagne
Vintage - Non Vintage
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 12%
Closure - Cork
