Champagne Thiénot Brut 2012

Winery Background & History

Founded in 1985, Champagne Thiénot is a relatively young house compared to some of its historic counterparts. Despite its youth, Thiénot has earned a strong reputation for producing refined and modern Champagnes. The house focuses on creating expressive wines that combine tradition with innovation, and the 2012 vintage is considered one of the most prestigious releases in recent years.

Producer & Wine Maker

Thiénot’s winemaking is guided by a philosophy of balance and precision. For the 2012 vintage, the house aimed to capture the purity of the fruit and the freshness of the vintage. This Champagne reflects the elegance and complexity that Thiénot is known for.

Vineyard

The grapes for Thiénot Brut Vintage 2012 come from a selection of Grand Cru vineyards in the Montagne de Reims and Côte des Blancs regions, known for their exceptional terroirs. These areas provide a perfect blend of conditions for growing both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, contributing to the wine’s structure and finesse.

The Wine

Thiénot Brut Vintage 2012 is a balanced blend of 65% Chardonnay and 35% Pinot Noir. The Chardonnay from the Côte des Blancs provides freshness and minerality, while the Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims adds depth and structure.

Vintage

The 2012 vintage was marked by a challenging growing season, with early frosts and a wet spring, followed by an ideal late summer that allowed the grapes to ripen perfectly. The result was a low-yield but high-quality harvest, producing wines with excellent concentration, acidity, and aging potential.

ABV %

The alcohol by volume (ABV) for Thiénot Brut Vintage 2012 is 12%.

Vinification and Aging Method

This Champagne is produced using the méthode champenoise, with secondary fermentation in the bottle. The wine was aged on its lees for several years, contributing to its creamy texture and complex flavors. The dosage is kept low, at around 6 g/L, to maintain freshness and balance.

Grapes Varietals

• 65% Pinot Noir

• 25% Chardonnay

• 10% Pinot Meunier

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Bright golden hue with fine bubbles.

• Nose: Aromas of brioche, toasted nuts, and lemon zest, alongside hints of green apple and minerality.

• Palate: Elegant and refined, with flavors of citrus, apple, and pear, balanced by a creamy texture and vibrant acidity. The finish is long, with notes of toasted almonds and brioche.

Food and Wine Pairing

Thiénot Brut Vintage 2012 pairs well with:

• Oysters

• Lobster

• Sushi and sashimi

• Grilled fish and seafood

• Soft cheeses

Service Methods

Serve at 8-10°C (46-50°F) in a wide Champagne flute or white wine glass to allow the wine’s complex aromas to develop fully.

Storage and Ageing Potential

Thiénot Brut Vintage 2012 has excellent aging potential. It can be enjoyed now, but it will continue to develop complexity over the next 10-15 years, with notes of honey, dried fruits, and more pronounced brioche emerging.

Scores

• Vivino: 4.2/5 (among the top 2% of all wines globally) .

• Tastingbook: 90 points .

Summary

Thiénot Brut Vintage 2012 is a beautifully crafted Champagne that showcases the elegance and complexity of this exceptional vintage. With its balance of freshness, depth, and aging potential, it is perfect for both special occasions and fine dining pairings.