Australian winemaker Penfolds has unveiled a new collaboration with family-owned Champagne House Thiénot. Three Champagnes, from the 2012 vintage, have been created: a Chardonnay Pinot Noir Cuvée, and two single vineyard wines – a Blanc de Blancs and a Blanc de Noirs.
This symbolically celebrates Penfolds 175th anniversary andmarks the start of a wonderful French and Australian wine alliance.
The Champagnes:
- 2012 Champagne Thiénot x Penfolds Chardonnay Pinot Noir Cuvée
- 2012 Champagne Thiénot x Penfolds Blanc de Blancs (Avize Grand Cru)
- 2012 Champagne Thiénot x Penfolds Blanc de Noirs (Aÿ Grand Cru)
Thiénot Managing Director, Stanislas Thiénot said, “This is a first for us, I am proud to say this has also been a truly collaborative experience from the very beginning …. We have created blends reflective of both Thiénot and Penfolds wine styles and philosophies. We are very happy with the results, the Champagnes are modern reflections showcasing fruit, freshness, and finesse.
This is the result of an unexpected encounter between two major wine regions, one belonging to the old world and the other to the new world, but with one single common goal: to produce great Champagnes. In addition, working with Peter Gago is extremely interesting and rewarding both for his immense experience and for his innovative vision.”
Penfolds Chief Winemaker, Peter Gago has long shared a love of Champagne and the art of blending. “This is Step Oneof an inviting and compelling journey. Some time back, we announced our intent to make a Champagne. We are now revealing a partnership with our friends at Thiénot – one which would not have been imaginable a decade or two ago. To now actually work alongside a Champagne House and ultimately craft Champagnes proudly, which co-bears the globally recognised red stamp of Penfolds, is both wonderful and a first collaboration of its kind for an Australian winery.”
The wines represent the joint efforts of Thiénot chef de cave Nicolas Uriel who together with Peter shared agreed style and quality ambitions. The three Champagnes are made from grapes sourced from prestigious and highly regarded vineyards in Champagne from the spectacular 2012 vintage.
