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. 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. 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. And it is this long road to success that forms the foundation of the Champagne House, especially its family values and independence.

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.

Discover New Regions for Sparkling

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. 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

Like the previous Thiénot Penfolds releases, this cuvée reflects the values shared by our two houses in the ‘spirit’ of champagne.”This is a special episode of the Drinks Adventures podcast, produced with the support of Penfolds Wines. 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.