Penfolds and Thiénot launch anniversary Champagne

By James Halliwell

Published: 10 May, 2019

Penfolds has teamed up with Thiénot to release three Champagnes to mark Penfolds 175th anniversary.

The Champagnes, all from the “spectacular” 2012 vintage, are a Chardonnay Pinot Noir Cuvée which will be released in June, a Blanc de Blancs (Avize Grand Cru) and a Blanc de Noirs (Aÿ Grand Cru).

“This is step one of an inviting and compelling journey,” said Penfolds chief winemaker Peter Gago. “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.”

Thiénot managing director, Stanislas Thiénot said he was “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.”

The Blanc de Noirs (Grand Cru) is sourced solely from a significant Aÿ vineyard, and the Blanc de Blancs (Grand Cru) from a regal single vineyard with vines up to sixty years old.

The 2012 Champagne Thiénot x Penfolds Chardonnay Pinot Noir Cuvée will have an RRP of AUD$280.00 for a 750ml bottle, while a limited number of 1.5L and 3L bottles will also be available.

The 2012 Champagne Thiénot x Penfolds Blanc de Blancs (Avize Grand Cru) and 2012 Champagne Thiénot x Penfolds Blanc de Noirs (Aÿ Grand Cru) will be released in 2020.

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