The collaboration between Penfolds and Champagne House Thiénot continues with the release of a non-vintage Champagne Brut Rosé, as foreshadowed by chief winemaker Peter Gago last year. 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 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. The company launched its debut California Collection earlier in 2021, and there’s a set of Bordeaux wines to come in 2022.

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. 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.” Like the previous Thiénot Penfolds releases, this cuvée reflects the values shared by our two houses in the ‘spirit’ of champagne.”

The dream of your own champagne house

In this wine podcast episode of Drinks Adventures, Peter Gago discusses the Thiénot champagne collaboration, which continues the huge international strides made by Penfolds in recent years. It shouts ‘champagne’ and showcases the finesse and understatement of Thiénot. It’s a visual shimmering reflection of the colour of the Penfolds stamp!”

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. 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. And it is this long road to success that forms the foundation of the Champagne House, especially its family values and independence. 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.This is a special episode of the Drinks Adventures podcast, produced with the support of Penfolds Wines. 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