Blanc de Noirs (Non-vintage) - Henriet-Bazin

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In the picturesque Champagne region, the Henriet-Bazin winery has a fascinating story stretching back five generations of dedicated growers. Founded in the heart of the Grand Cru of Reims, this house stands for tradition and innovation alike. One intriguing detail concerns the use of Pinot Noir for their Blanc de Noirs: the current owner's grandfather, a visionary in his day, once decided to experiment with this variety to make a white wine, defying convention. His boldness paid off, and today Henriet-Bazin's Blanc de Noirs is celebrated for its singularity and its link with the family's history.

Blanc de Noirs (Non-vintage) - Henriet-Bazin

Type: Sparkling wine or Champagne

Area: France, Champagne, Reims

Appellation: Champagne AOC Grand Cru

Grape variety: Pinot Noir

Vintage: Non-vintage

Winery: Henriet-Bazin

Alcohol: 12.5%

The appellation: Champagne AOC Grand Cru

Champagne AOC Grand Cru represents the absolute pinnacle of Champagne, designating wines produced exclusively in the 17 villages classified as Grand Cru, the highest level in the quality scale of the Champagne AOC appellation.

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What to eat with Blanc de Noirs

Who makes it: Henriet-Bazin

The Henriet-Bazin family is an example of passion and dedication, having worked the land and tended the vines for five generations. Their mission is to produce cuvées that express the unique terroir of their vineyards, in the Montagne de Reims at Ville Marmery, a village known for its Chardonnay. The estate's story began in 1890, when Gaston Henriet decided to keep part of the harvest and try his hand at winemaking.

The vine of Blanc de Noirs

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is one of the most fascinating and noble black grape varieties in the world. Famous for its elegance and complexity, this variety is at the heart of some of the most prestigious wines on the globe, particularly the wines of Burgundy and Champagne AOC. Its versatility and its ability to reflect the terroir make it one of the varieties most loved by winemakers and wine lovers alike.

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Blanc de Noirs: the Reims area

Reims

Reims, in the Champagne region, is one of the most important historic, cultural and production centres in the world of wine.The unofficial capital of northern Champagne, Reims is surrounded by some of the most renowned Grand Cru vineyards, belonging to the Montagne de Reims, one of the region's four main subzones.

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Climate: Continental

Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Blanc de Noirs

Primary aromas: White flowers, Ripe red fruit

Secondary aromas: Brioche, Bread crust

Tertiary aromas: Leather, Hazelnut

Tasting notes: An elegant Blanc de Noirs Champagne with notes of red fruit and a complex structure. Perfect for special occasions.

Sulphites	yes
Body	Velvety
Acidity	Medium-high
Tannin	Absent
Sweetness	Extra Brut
Finish	Long
Colour	Golden yellow
Clarity	Clear

Winemaking methods used for Blanc de Noirs

Metodo Classico

The Metodo Classico is a refined sparkling winemaking technique used to produce high-quality sparkling wines. This method, also known as méthode champenoise (when speaking of Champagne), involves a second fermentation in the bottle, which gives the wine its characteristic fine, persistent bubbles, together with complex aromas and an elegant structure.

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Ageing methods used for Blanc de Noirs

In bottle (over 36 months)

Ageing in bottle for more than 36 months is a practice reserved for wines for long laying down, designed for those seeking depth, finesse and maximum aromatic development. During this extended period, the wine matures sheltered from light and oxygen, letting time do its work in silence. This stage is particularly important for vintage wines, riservas and great classics, which in this way reach a perfect balance between intensity, elegance and sensory complexity.

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Time on the lees for Blanc de Noirs

Very long (over 36 months)