Champagne Brut
L'inattendue 2016

The Champagne L’Inattendue by Henriot was born from the vision of the family’s eighth generation, represented by Gilles de Larouzière Henriot, and interprets one of the Maison’s most important principles: enhancing the diversity of Champagne’s terroirs through precise, essential and deeply distinctive expressions. This cuvée reveals the most crystalline character of Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs, sourced from the Grand Cru of Avize, a terroir renowned for its chalky matrix, aromatic finesse and natural mineral tension.

This edition, Millésime 2016, is made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes and faithfully reflects the character of a complex vintage, marked by strong climatic contrasts. After a regular start to the year, spring was defined by abundant rainfall, which continued until the beginning of summer before giving way to a period of marked drought. The harvest, which began on 18 September for Henriot, showed uneven levels of ripeness, with Chardonnay maturing later than usual, helping to shape a tense, vertical and highly precise profile.

In tasting, L’Inattendue 2016 stands out for its chiselled, luminous and deeply mineral expression. The nose recalls chalk, fresh lemon, bright citrus fruit and subtle menthol nuances, within an essential yet highly refined aromatic register. On the palate, the attack is direct, vibrant and incisive, supported by clear freshness and a savoury texture that lengthens the progression. The finish is precise, persistent and rigorous, with a chalky tension that clearly conveys the identity of Avize.