Champagne Henriot Millésime 2008

Few champagne vintages are noteworthy, hence the designation N.V. (non vintage).  2008 was, on the other hand, an outstanding vintage worthy of celebration.

Henriot is one of the most historic Champagne Houses, having more than two hundred years of heritage and savoir-faire. The story of Henriot Houses started in 1640 when the Henriot family decided to invest in vineyards and cultivate their knowledge of winemaking know-how. In 1808, when Apolline Henriot founded Maison Henriot, her vineyards were located in the heart of the Montagne de Reims in the crus of Verzy, Verzenay, and Mailly-Champagne. Apolline has a deep passion for expressing the beauty of the champagne terroirs and decided to create great champagne that reflects the vineyard, combining generosity, elegance, and distinction. In 1880, thanks to the marriage of Paul Henriot (4th generation of the family) and Marie Marguet, a young girl from the Côte des Blancs, three more crus have joined the Henriot vineyards: Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Chouilly. As a tribute to these six historic crus, considered to be the founders of the Henriot vineyard, Maison Henriot decided to create a Champagne now called Henriot Hemera. 

Today, 76 winegrowers work to produce a great champagne across 29 villages. Alice Tetienne is determined to produce wonderful champagnes that draw their richness, diversity, and generosity from the grapes used to make them. It's an idea shared by the rest of the team, they have the same ambition to respect the wine and nature. That’s why, in 2020, they founded the Alliance terroirs project. This project defines and coordinates the initiatives and tools used to analyze terroirs, adapt viticultural practices to benefit the vine and the environment, and make the champagne vineyard more sustainable. 

Henriot House takes a sustainable approach through carbon reduction and recycling. Like Esterlin House, it has the HVE and VDC certification to protect the environment and maintain high quality. 

Laurent Fresnet, Champagne Henriot Cellar Master has been awarded the prestigious International Wine Challenge award for "Sparkling Winemaker of the Year" for both 2015 and 2016.

Henriot Hemera is the fruit of a unique vintage. It is a blend of the six founding crus, with each represented in equal part through a singular year that makes it a Millésime. Hemera is only made in exceptional years from an exclusive blend of Chardonnay (50%) and Pinot Noir (50%). Cuvee Hemera is a complex champagne with a well-structured taste and a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness.

Henriot Hemera 2008 is a perfect representation of a classic year in Champagne, presenting a construction loyal to its historical terroirs. This cuvee shows intimidating greatness, freshness, delicacy, distinction, and power. Indeed, the climate has been uncertain and cool throughout the winter, spring, and summer seasons, but the providential return of the sun took place as the harvest approached. Therefore, the typical conditions of the northern region of Champagne have met for a great year. 

"A homage to Hemera, Greek goddess of daylight, the luminous cuvée is produced only in exceptional years.  As winemaker Laurent Fresnet's first cuvée for the House, it embodies the unique and expressive style.  The Chardonnay for Cuvée Hemera comes from 3 villages (Chouilly, Avize, and Mesnil-sur-Oger) in the Côte de Blancs and the Pinot Noir derives from the north of Montagne de Reims (Mailly Champagne, Verzy, and Verzenay).  Fresh aromas on the nose, with candied citrus and honey on the palate, leading into a long, toasting finish."