It takes real nerve to set up your own Champagne House, when the very first Houses began their existence more than three centuries ago. Alain Thiénot demonstrated real nerve, as well as inspiration and aspiration in doing exactly that. This is a special episode of the Drinks Adventures podcast, produced with the support of Penfolds Wines.

A precise adventure and a challenge that has paid off: Thiénot Champagne has found its place among the largest champagne houses, where quality comes before quantity, creativity before tradition.

Based strongly on Pinot Noir, which excelled that year, with 65% of the grapes having grand cru or premier cru origins. Medium-deep lemon colour. The nose is generously creamy and expressive, with plentiful ripe, fruity notes: baked apple, pineapple and pear jam, but also some earthy vegetal tones. True to the vintage, the palate is generous and round, full of luscious fruit. The mousse is soft and cushiony, adding to the feeling of sumptuousness. Long, concentrated finish. Ready to impress with mid-term potential. Drink: 2022-2030. 90 Points, August 2022 Food Pairing A forward thinking and contemporary Champagne House, its inherently family spirit and distinctive style award it a personality of its own. A Champagne favoured by trendsetters, these premium quality Champagnes are found in only selected establishments throughout the world. The classic Thiénot Champagne collection comprises three cuvées: Thiénot Brut, Thiénot Rosé and Thiénot Vintage, which are all cellar-aged for four to eight years to attain their finest expression.

The 2008 Champagne Cuvée Alain Thienot is based on 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir and has the highest dosage in the lineup, getting 6.4 grams per liter. As with all these releases from Thienot, it saw 100% malolactic fermentation (although I’m not sure of the élevage). Light gold-hued, with lots of white flowers, chalky minerality, grilled toast, and assorted citrus and stone fruits, it hits the palate with a beautifully layered, elegant texture, bright yet nicely balanced acidity, and a great finish. This is another rich yet vibrant beauty that has a good 10-15 years of prime drinking ahead of it.” 94 Points, March 2021 Essi Avellan MW’s Champagne Report With almost 20 years experience as a wine broker in Champagne, he had acquired an in-depth knowledge of the vineyards, having scoured the hillsides in the constant quest for wines (that revealed) the finest expressions of each Cru vineyard. He had originally been invited by the major Champagne Houses to seek out only the rare and exceptional from growers, and it was from this experience that Alain Thiénot sowed the seeds of a dream, to establish his own Champagne House. Like the previous Thiénot Penfolds releases, this cuvée reflects the values shared by our two houses in the ‘spirit’ of champagne.” And it is this long road to success that forms the foundation of the Champagne House, especially its family values and independence. Stanislas - Before merging his path with that of the family business, Stanislas perfected his wine knowledge with extensive professional experience abroad. Today Managing Director and brand ambassador of Champagne Thiénot alongside his sister Garance, he uses his youth and ambition to his advantage to lead and ensure the long-term success of the family business. Stanislas is passionately involved in the production of every single champagne in the range and oversees the unmistakable style of Thiénot wines: Finesse, fruit and freshness.The company launched its debut California Collection earlier in 2021, and there’s a set of Bordeaux wines to come in 2022. Vintage 2008: The mild and humid winter combined with an unstable spring with cool temperatures, abundant rain and a few strong frosts in April, leads to a late burst. However, the mildness of May allows the vines to catch up. Summer takes place under a mixed weather. The harvest begins between 15th and 25th September depending on areas. The weather is ideal, dry and sunny during the day, fresh at night, allowing an accumulation of sugars in the berries. The quality of grapes is exceptional and the balance between sugar and acidity of the grape must is perfect. It shouts ‘champagne’ and showcases the finesse and understatement of Thiénot. It’s a visual shimmering reflection of the colour of the Penfolds stamp!” A precision-managed adventure and a challenge that paid off, Champagne Thiénot has found its place among the greatest Champagne Houses, favouring quality over quantity, creativity over traditionalism.

It takes courage to found your own champagne house when the first houses began to exist more than three centuries ago. Alain Thiénot demonstrated courage, but also inspiration and ambition to do just that. Beautiful pale, silky golden colour. The nose is powerful and offers notes of orchard fruits, juicy peach, pear and yellow fruit. The palate is round, fresh, and balanced. It presents a beautiful and lively effervescence of great finesse. Vegan. Essi Avellan MW’s Champagne Report First up in this episode, I asked Peter about his personal affinity with champagne, a wine style he’s clearly very passionate about. The Penfolds x Thiénot Champagne NV Brut Rosé He then brought together a group of Champagne and wine houses with deep-rooted and shared convictions: the greatest wines are born when talented humans interpret prestigious terroirs whilst in balance with nature.Thiénot managing director, Stanislas Thiénot added: “We are delighted to add this new cuvée to our Thiénot Penfolds project. Indeed, this partnership would not be complete without a non-vintage cuvée, an expression which highlights the art of blending champagne.”