Tasting Champagne Henriot Brut Souverain NV
Recently, I tried Champagne Henriot Brut Souverain NV in the lounge while heading to Portugal and found it quite enjoyable. The brand was part of Artémis, a prominent luxury wine group, until its acquisition by Terroirs et Vignerons de Champagne (TEVC), the largest cooperative group in Champagne, in 2023. Henriot manages 30 hectares of their own vineyards and sources grapes from another 65 hectares of partner growers.
The blend for this Champagne consists of 45% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay, and 15% Pinot Meunier, sourced from 29 crus. It uses 30-50% reserve wines, ensuring a perpetual reserve. The dosage is under 6 g/l, and the wine ages on lees for over three years. The base wine is from 2020, suggesting it spent three years on its lees before being disgorged in 2024, and has since aged under cork for another year.
Tasting notes indicate that the wine is bright and fruity with a refreshing character. It showcases flavors of pear and apricot intertwined with cherry and citrus elements, leading to a rounded mouthfeel. The overall balance and complexity are commendable. I rated it 92/100 and found it to provide excellent value, available at The Wine Society for just over £30 per bottle when purchased in a six-pack.
For more details, you can visit the Champagne Henriot website.