From Lorraine Origins to Settlement in Champagne
In 1640, the Henriot family left their native Lorraine and settled in Reims, in Champagne. Initially drapers, they soon added wine to their trade. Their passion for viticulture led them to invest in vineyards, thus paving the way for the future establishment of their own champagne house. In the 18th century, the Henriot family's business was thriving. Nicolas Henriot, head of the family, acquired several properties in the region. In 1794 he married Apolline Godinot. Together they decided to embark on vine growing and began to acquire vines. But in 1805, Nicolas Henriot died suddenly, at the age of 36.
The Birth of the Henriot House
In 1808, Apolline Henriot, a visionary widow, decided to "shed light on her lands through a champagne" and founded the champagne house "Veuve Henriot Aîné". Niece of the famous Canon Jean Godinot, she benefited from the advice of his famous treatise Manière de cultiver la vigne et faire le vin de Champagne. Her wines quickly became a great success among the Parisian elites and in the courts of Europe. She presented her first cuvée, the famous Henriot Brut Souverain. This cuvée, still appreciated today, symbolizes the family's commitment to quality and innovation.
Henriot and Charles Heidsieck, One Family
In 1851, Ernest Henriot, grandson of Apolline and Nicolas Henriot, founded with his brother-in-law Charles Heidsieck (husband of Amélie Henriot) the house Charles Heidsieck. But in 1875, Ernest decided to devote all his energy to the house founded by his grandparents.
Expansion in the Name of Quality
In 1880, Paul Henriot, Apolline's great-grandson, took over the house and led it towards new horizons. He enriched the initial vineyard composed of three crus from the Montagne de Reims with three crus from the Côte des Blancs, planted in Chardonnay. These new acquisitions, notably in Avize, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger and Chouilly, strengthened the reputation of the house.
The Cellar Masters Who Marked Henriot
The success of the Henriot house would not be what it is without the talents of its cellar masters. Since 2020, Alice Tétienne has held this position, paying particular attention to the selection of grapes and the art of blending. Her predecessor, Laurent Fresnet, also played a crucial role in maintaining the quality and unique style of the Henriot champagnes.
The Owners of the Henriot House
The Henriot house remained independent and family-owned for many years. In 1987, it came under the control of the LVMH group before being bought back by Joseph Henriot. The latter, charismatic and visionary, led the house with passion until his death in 2015. In September 2022, the Maisons & Domaines Henriot group merged with the Artémis Domaines group, led by the Pinault family. In 2023, the Henriot champagne house is sold to the Terroirs & Vignerons de Champagne (TEVC) group.
A Commitment to Excellence and the Environment
The Henriot house excels in Chardonnay, which marks all its cuvées, from Brut Souverain to blanc de blancs. Under the watchful eye of Alice Tétienne, the grapes are carefully selected, and great importance is given to the art of blending and the aging period. The house is also investing in environmentally friendly viticultural practices, with a progressive conversion to organic farming.
A Unique Style and Iconic Cuvées
Henriot champagnes are distinguished by their richness and elegance. The wines are tense, fine, round and offer a dazzling freshness in the finish. Among the house's most renowned cuvées are the Blanc de Blancs, the Brut Souverain, the Brut Millésimé and the Brut Rosé.
Former Estates and Strategic Acquisitions
Joseph Henriot, the family's visionary, also diversified the house's activities by acquiring several estates outside of Champagne. In 1995, he bought the Bouchard Père & Fils vineyard in Burgundy, followed by the William Fèvre vineyard in Chablis in 1998. The house also acquired the Lejay-Lagoute house, known for its crème de cassis de Dijon, and the Villa Ponciago vineyard in the Beaujolais. In 2017, the family group acquired the Beaux Frères estate in Oregon, USA.
Anecdotes and Curiosities
The history of the Henriot house is dotted with interesting moments and anecdotes. For example, did you know that the Henriot house was one of the first to export its champagne wines to the Dutch court and the Habsburgs of Austria and Hungary? This royal recognition greatly contributed to the house's international reputation.
Another amusing anecdote concerns Ernest Henriot, Apolline's grandson, who founded in 1851 with his brother-in-law Charles Heidsieck the house Charles Heidsieck. The two men separated in 1875, Ernest devoting himself exclusively to the Henriot house. This separation allowed each house to develop its own style and identity.
