Henriet Bazin Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut

Henriet Bazin Champagne Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut is a pure, finely sculpted expression of Pinot Noir from some of Champagne’s most privileged Grand Cru vineyards. Crafted in a bone-dry Extra Brut style, it showcases precision, tension, and depth rather than opulence, making it a superb choice for those who appreciate terroir-driven grower Champagne. As a Blanc de Noirs, this cuvée captures the power and character of black grapes while maintaining the elegance and finesse that defines top Champagne.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Champagne presents a luminous, pale gold hue with subtle copper reflections, crowned by a delicate, persistent mousse. On the nose, it offers an inviting mix of red apple, pear skin, and citrus zest, layered with notes of brioche, toasted hazelnut, white flowers, and a faint hint of chalk and spice that speak clearly of its Grand Cru origins. The palate is taut and energetic, with the Extra Brut dosage highlighting the wine’s minerality and structure rather than sweetness. Expect flavors of crisp orchard fruit, wild berries, and lemon peel, supported by a fine, chalky backbone and a long, saline finish. The Pinot Noir brings both flesh and grip, giving the wine a gastronomic profile that works wonderfully at the table. Enjoy it now for its vibrancy and purity, or cellar for 3–6 years to gain more complexity, with tertiary notes of honey, toasted nuts, and pastry likely to emerge over time.

Production
Sourced from Grand Cru vineyards in the heart of the Champagne region, Henriet-Bazin’s Blanc de Noirs reflects chalk-rich soils and cool, north-facing slopes that favor slowly ripened, aromatically intense Pinot Noir. Grapes are typically hand-harvested at optimal ripeness to preserve acidity and ensure strict selection in the vineyard. In the cellar, the must is gently pressed to capture the finest juice, followed by a cool fermentation in temperature-controlled tanks (and in some cases, older barrels) to enhance texture without overwhelming the fruit. After blending and tirage, the wine rests on its lees in bottle for an extended period, building complexity, creaminess, and fine bubbles, before being disgorged with a minimal Extra Brut dosage to keep the focus on purity and terroir expression.

Food & Serving
This Grand Cru Blanc de Noirs Extra Brut is an exceptionally versatile food wine, pairing beautifully with refined dishes such as oysters, scallops, sashimi, and crudo, as well as richer plates like lobster, roasted poultry, veal tartare, or mushroom-based dishes. It also shines alongside aged hard cheeses and charcuterie where the Pinot Noir structure stands up to savory flavors. Serve well-chilled at around 8–10°C (46–50°F) to showcase its freshness and fine mousse. A brief 10–15 minutes in the glass or a narrow decanter can help the wine open up aromatically, especially if served with more complex dishes.

Producer
Henriet-Bazin is a family-run grower-producer based in the historic heart of Champagne, working primarily with esteemed Grand Cru and Premier Cru vineyards. With a long-standing presence in the region, the estate has built its reputation on meticulous vineyard work and low-intervention, terroir-focused winemaking. As a récoltant-manipulant (grower Champagne house), Henriet-Bazin farms and vinifies its own grapes, allowing for precise expression of each parcel and a distinct house style that favors balance, minerality, and authenticity. Their commitment to quality-driven, small-scale production has made them a respected name among Champagne enthusiasts seeking characterful wines that truly reflect their origin.