Why it matters
The producer
Apolline Henriot, widow of Nicolas Simon Henriot, founded Champagne Henriot in 1808. The house has remained under family ownership since Joseph Henriot left Veuve Clicquot in 1994 to manage the Henriot estate. Guillaume Deglise is the current Managing Director.
The production philosophy centres on Champagnes that reflect generosity, elegance and distinction. The range includes Brut Souverain, Henriot Millésimé Brut 2015 and Henriot Cuvée Hemera 2013.
Place and vineyards
Where the wines begin
Les Aulnois is a property south of Épernay that Champagne Henriot acquired in 2014. The house also uses named Champagne crus in Cuvée Hemera 2013. In Champagne, a cru identifies a named growing area, giving a cuvée a more specific geographic vocabulary than the regional appellation alone.
Wines to know
The range in view
Brut Souverain is the house's signature cuvée. Henriot Millésimé Brut 2015 is a vintage Champagne made from 53% Pinot Noir and 47% Chardonnay, aged for at least nine years on lees before disgorgement. Lees are spent yeast cells, and extended contact can add bread and pastry notes while giving the wine a fuller texture.
Henriot Cuvée Hemera 2013 occupies the special cuvée position in the range. It was disgorged with a dosage of 3.5 grams per litre. Dosage is the addition made after disgorgement, and the figure records the amount used to finish the bottle.