History Champagne Henriot, founded in 1808 in Reims, France, by Apolline Henriot, emerged from the union of the Henriot and Lamiable families, both with deep Champagne roots. Apolline, widow of a local landowner, began producing wines under her name, establishing a legacy of independence. The house gained prominence in the 19th century, supplying European courts. In 1994, Joseph Henriot, a descendant, acquired the estate from the family branch, revitalizing it while preserving tradition. Today, led by eighth-generation Alice Henriot since 2021, with cellar master Damien Gredin, Henriot owns 35 hectares and sources from 150 growers, focusing on Chardonnay-driven elegance.
Viticulture Philosophy Henriot sources primarily from Premier and Grand Cru sites in the Cote des Blancs (Chardonnay) and Montagne de Reims (Pinot Noir), with sustainable practices certified by Viticulture Durable en Champagne and Haute Valeur Environnementale. The estate emphasizes biodiversity, soil health, and precise vineyard selection, leveraging chalky subsoils and cool microclimates for minerality and finesse. Long-term contracts with growers ensure consistency, with a focus on low yields and hand-harvesting to capture balanced ripeness and acidity in a changing climate.
Winemaking Techniques Under Damien Gredin, Henriot employs meticulous, low-dosage methods to highlight purity. Grapes undergo gentle pressing, with only the cuvée used; fermentation occurs in stainless steel or oak for reserve wines, with partial malolactic to soften acidity. Blends incorporate 50-60% reserve wines aged in perpetual solera, with extended lees aging (4-10 years) for complexity. The Brut Souverain features 50% Chardonnay, while Blanc de Blancs is 100% Chardonnay from Grand Crus. Minimal intervention and low sulfur preserve vibrancy, yielding refined, age-worthy Champagnes.
Critics and Journalist Praises Henriot is acclaimed for its Chardonnay mastery and elegance. The Cuvée Hemera 2008 earned 98 points from James Suckling, praised for its “lemon curd, brioche, and mineral” depth with “silky mousse.” Wine Spectator awarded the Brut Souverain 93 points for its “apple, toast, and citrus” harmony. Jancis Robinson lauds Alice Henriot's “precise, vibrant” style, with the Blanc de Blancs scoring 18/20 for finesse. Decanter highlights its “timeless sophistication,” with consistent 95+ ratings affirming Henriot's status as a Champagne benchmark.
