Henriot Brut Souverain Henriot

Henriot Brut Souverain is a classic non-vintage Champagne that showcases the house’s elegant, Chardonnay-driven style. Crafted from carefully selected Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from some of Champagne’s finest crus, it offers a refined balance of freshness, finesse and depth. As one of the historic family-owned houses in Champagne, Henriot has been perfecting this signature cuvée for generations, making Brut Souverain a benchmark for those seeking both purity and complexity in their glass.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Henriot Brut Souverain presents a pale golden hue with a fine, persistent bead of bubbles that speaks to its extended aging on the lees. The nose is charming and precise, with notes of green apple, lemon zest and white peach, layered with brioche, toasted hazelnut and a hint of chalky minerality. On the palate, it is crisp yet supple, offering citrus and orchard fruit up front—think pear, apple and Meyer lemon—followed by subtle pastry cream, almond and a saline, mineral edge that keeps everything lifted and refreshing. The finish is clean, long and delicately toasty, reflecting both the quality of the fruit and the time spent aging in bottle. As a non-vintage Champagne designed to be enjoyed on release, it drinks beautifully now, but will hold and develop a touch more toastiness and complexity over the next 3–5 years if stored well.

Production
Henriot sources grapes for Brut Souverain from a selection of premier and grand cru vineyards across Champagne, with a strong emphasis on the chalk-rich slopes that give the wines their precision and minerality. The blend is typically dominated by Chardonnay, supported by Pinot Noir, harvested by hand to preserve bunch integrity. After gentle pressing, the must is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel to retain freshness and purity of fruit. A significant proportion of reserve wines from previous vintages is included to ensure consistency of style and added depth. The wine then undergoes secondary fermentation in bottle and ages on its lees for several years—longer than the minimum required—before disgorgement and a carefully judged dosage, resulting in a Brut Champagne that is both vibrant and elegantly rounded.

Food & Serving
Henriot Brut Souverain is a versatile Champagne that shines as an aperitif and at the table. Pair it with oysters, sushi, scallop crudo or simple shellfish dishes to highlight its saline minerality, or enjoy it alongside delicate white fish, chicken in light cream sauces, or goat cheese and soft-rind cheeses. It also works beautifully with canapés and refined appetizers. Serve well chilled at about 8–10°C (46–50°F). Decanting is not necessary, but pouring it into proper tulip-shaped Champagne glasses rather than flutes will allow the aromas and texture to fully open.

Producer
Founded in 1808 in Reims, Maison Henriot is one of Champagne’s great historic, family-run houses, known for its steadfast commitment to Chardonnay and its elegant, mineral-driven style. Over more than two centuries, Henriot has cultivated long-standing relationships with top growers and prime crus across the region, particularly in the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims. The house has earned a reputation among Champagne lovers for producing wines that are both precise and generous, with Brut Souverain serving as its calling card. Today, Henriot continues to play an important role in the region, uniting tradition with thoughtful innovation and a focus on expressing Champagne’s finest terroirs.