| Over 3000 reviews |  4.80/5 |
 |
Wine and spirits masterpieces to your doorstep
Secure packaging and transport insurance
Maison Henriot ranks among the most illustrious names in Champagne, driven by a family-owned independence that has been preserved for over two centuries. Guided by a constant quest for precision and elegance, the House cultivates an exceptional vineyard, drawing its strength from the finest terroirs of the Montagne de Reims and the Côte des Blancs. Heir to a unique expertise, Maison Henriot is dedicated to enhancing the finesse of Chardonnay, the hallmark of its inimitable style.
It all began in 1808, when Apolline Henriot, a young widow and descendant of a family with deep roots in winemaking, decided to found her own Champagne house in Reims. Drawing on the scientific legacy of her great-uncle, Canon Godinot—author of a seminal treatise on viticulture published as early as 1718—Apolline infused the House with an innovative vision. Determined to “illuminate her lands by creating a great Champagne,” she laid the groundwork for a house that, from its very inception, has prioritized high standards and passion.
Over the generations, the Henriot family has enriched this legacy. In 1880, the marriage of Paul Henriot to Marie Marguet, a native of the Côte des Blancs, marked a historic turning point: the vineyard expanded to include prestigious Chardonnay crus, adding a new dimension to the blends. Resolutely forward-thinking, the family has always placed an understanding of the soil at the heart of its concerns, launching an ambitious project of soil pits as early as 1920. This culture of observation continues today under the leadership of Alice Tétienne, Cellar Master, through the “Alliance Terroirs”... See more ...
With L’Inattendue 2018, Maison Henriot offers a unique and contemporary take on Champagne by highlighting a single grape variety, a single terroir, and a single vintage. This exclusive cuvée embodies the house’s longstanding commitment to revealing the diversity of Champagne’s terroirs through precise and distinctive interpretations. Crafted exclusively from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the Grand Cru of Chouilly, in the heart of the Côte des Blancs, this creation expresses all the richness and brilliance of the 2018 vintage. Here, Henriot chooses to let the character of Chouilly’s chalky terroir speak with purity—a terroir renowned for producing Chardonnays that are full-bodied, luminous, and particularly refined. After more than four years of aging in the cellar, the champagne retains a very youthful and vibrant expression of fruit. The low dosage of 2 g/L, precisely determined during disgorgement, helps preserve the wine’s natural balance as well as its mineral intensity.
The color is a brilliant pale gold, enlivened by a delicate and consistent effervescence that immediately highlights the cuvée’s finesse. The nose is expressive, generous, and elegant. The initial aromas evoke fresh yellow fruits, ripe pineapple, and particularly alluring exotic notes. Gradually, vanilla nuances emerge, along with slight petrol notes and a subtle chalky dimension that adds great depth to the bouquet. On the palate, the wine impresses with its fullness and velvety texture. The attack is round, enveloping, almost creamy, while remaining perfectly balanced by a remarkable freshness for this sunny vintage. Flavors of ripe fruit and delicate citrus linger in a broad, harmonious palate, supported by a persistent mineral tension that brings energy and precision. The long, briny finish leaves a particularly striking sensation of purity and freshness, revealing the full uniqueness of this Chardonnay from Chouilly.
This cuvée pairs beautifully with refined, creamy dishes such as a risotto with green asparagus and Parmesan. The richness of the risotto highlights the champagne’s velvety texture, while its freshness and precision lighten and energize the entire dish.
Find all the information about Bordeaux Primeurs on our dedicated page
► What is a Bordeaux En-primeur wine?
► What are the advantages of buying En-Primeurs?
► How does the Bordeaux En-Primeurs campaign work?
► When are Bordeaux En-Primeurs delivered?
► How to buy your Bordeaux En-Primeurs wines?
Founded in 1971, the Club Trésors de Champagne is a very exclusive circle that brings together 25 of the region’s finest artisan winemakers. United by a love for their terroir, respect for traditional craftsmanship, and a vision for the future, these exceptional winemakers have been rigorously selected for the excellence of their work. Membership in the club is granted only upon sponsorship by one or more existing members.
For them, champagne is not just a celebratory drink; it is a unique story told through every bottle.
The “Spécial Club” cuvée
Being a member of this highly exclusiveclub allows winemakers to produce a unique, vintage-dated prestige cuvée: the Spécial Club. Recognized as the ultimate symbol of their expertise, this cuvée undergoes a rigorous process to ensure impeccable quality.
To earn this coveted “label,” each bottle must pass through rigorous stages:
