The House of Henriot, founded in 1808 by Apolline Henriot, released its newest creation: Millésime 2012 (SRP $100). Inspired by the philosophy of the Maison’s founder, Millésime 2012 pays tribute to nature by expressing the characteristics of a singular year through a vintage Champagne. It will be available nationwide in the U.S. beginning this month and can be purchased at select fine wine retailers.
As a snapshot of the overall year, Millésime 2012 represents the house’s mastery not only of time, but also of the art of blending. Troublesome episodes of frost, hail, and heavy rain throughout the first few months of the year eventually turned to favorable heat waves at harvest time, which led to even ripening of grapes with vast aromatic diversity.
“During harvest, the heterogeneity of the grape profiles resulting from the weather conditions in 2012 made quite an impression,” says Vineyard Director and Cellar Master, Alice Tétienne. “When we made the blend for this new creation, our desire was to capture the diversity of the aromatic profiles while achieving harmonious balance. Millésime 2012 is thus a wine of contrasted harmony.”
A blend of 54% Chardonnay and 46% Pinot Noir, Millésime 2012 is derived exclusively from the house’s historical Grand and Premier Cru vineyards located in the Montagne de Reims (Mailly-Champagne, Verzy, Trépail and Avenay) and Côte des Blancs (Chouilly and Avize).