Henriet-Bazin - Villers-Marmery

Marie-Noelle and father Daniel cultivate 10ha of vines in Villers-Marmery 1er Cru (Chardonnay) and Verzenay, Verzy Grand Cru (Pinot Noir). The original Henriet family specialised in Champagne production whereas the Bazins were grape growers – and now four generations later, father and daughter are producing some sensational Champagne from Grand Cru and 1er Cru vineyards in some of the best locations in the Montagne de Reims.  80,000 bottles are produced annually with 40% going to the Swiss, Italy, England and U.S.

The commune of Villers-Marmery is very famous for its unique clone of Chardonnay – but for this offer our focus is more on the excellent quality of Pinot Noir from Verzenay and Verzy Grand Cru. Verzy and Verzenay are directly next to each other and enjoy a east to north-easterly aspect at a height of 140-220 metres. These are prestigious vineyards indeed with Krug, Bollinger, Taittinger, Laurent-Perrier, Veuve Clicquot, Moet et Chandon and Roederer owning vineyards and buying as many grapes as they can. Many of the big houses have huge pressoirs in these villages – such is the importance of maintaining the quality at the highest possible level. Transporting grapes huge distances can damage the outer grape skin layer and hence affect the quality of the pressed juice. Vinification is classic in tank, no oak is utilised and malo-lactic fermentations are blocked for all cuvées.

The Pinot Noirs are vinous with pepper, iron, mineral and gunpowder aromas – and these characteristics are essential to the great Krug, Bollinger and Roederer prestige cuvées. In Verzy and Verzenay more than 80% of the vineyards are planted to Pinot Noir with the remainder being Chardonnay. Unfortunately many growers followed ‘market trends’ in the early 80’s and started using more and more Chardonnay in their cuvées – in an attempt to produce fresher commercial styles – but now the trend is being reversed and we are seeing more Pinot dominant styles emerging. Henriet-Bazin was never one to follow trends and have always allowed the terroir to dictate what grape variety should be planted.