Henriot : L'Inattendue Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2016

The precision and aromatic intensity of a vintage Blanc de Blancs champagne by Henriot

The producer

Founded in 1808, the Henriot Champagne House has been nurturing the Chardonnay grape from the Côte des Blancs with great passion and exacting quality standards for 8 generations. This noble grape variety will later become the trademark each of the Henriot vintages. The Henriot brand, a much-loved champagne by the Dutch Court, would become a reference among European aristocracy. Henriot champagnes stand out due to their finesse, their exceptional elegance, their complexity and their radiant richness, thanks to a specific ageing period and a quantity of reserve wines for each cuvée.

The vineyard

Comprising a 35-hectare vineyard, the champagnes by the Henriot House are produced partly from the most beautiful terroirs of the Premiers and Grands Crus in the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims.

The wine

Created by the family’s 8th generation, Henriot's L'inattendue 2016 reveals the singularity of an illustrious Champagne terroir, the Avize Grand Cru, a singular year, 2016, and a single grape variety, Chardonnay. Located on the Côte des Blancs slope, the Avize vineyard benefits from soils in which chalk is covered by hard Tertiary clay and limestone. This cuvée is aged in the house’s underground cellars for a minimum of 4 years. The dosage is 4 g/l.

The vintage

Spring was marked by a lot of rainfall until the beginning of summer before leading to an intense drought. Despite these unstable weather conditions, the grapes harvested boasted a superb balance.

The blend

Chardonnay (100%).

Henriot’s L’Inattendue Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru 2016: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Nose

Aromatic and precise, the nose harmoniously blends the mineral notes of its chalky terroir with subtle citrus and fresh lemon fragrances along with mentholated notes.

Palate

Lively and firm, the palate is seduced by this champagne’s precision and richness.

Service

For optimal tasting experience, the recommended serving temperature is between 9°C and 12°C.