At Penfolds, we are focused on sourcing the finest grapes from the best winemaking regions around the world. Five years ago, we unveiled our first collaboration with Champagne Thiénot, a respected player in the world of Champagne. Today there are five distinct styles in the Collection.
As the birthplace of the ‘traditional method’ of sparkling wine production, also known as méthode champenoise, Champagne is arguably France’s most famed region.
In 2019 we launched our first partnership with family-owned Champagne House Thiénot, and now offer four distinct champagne wines.
Our Blanc de Noirs and Blanc de Blancs Grand Crus are single vineyard, single varietal wines of pinot noir and chardonnay respectively. Our Vintage Cuvée offers a 50/50 blend of pinot noir and chardonnay, while our final blend comprises all three champagne varietals crafted in a Brut Rosé style.
Penfolds Champagnes are created in partnership with Champagne House Thiénot, a respected name in French Champagne. Made from grapes cultivated within the Champagne region, our Champagnes are meticulously crafted using the traditional method and meet all the characteristics required to be labelled Champagne.
Penfolds Rosé Champagne, a non-vintage Rosé Champagne, is the fourth release in our collaboration series with Champagne Thiénot. It represents the joint efforts of Thiénot chef de cave Nicolas Uriel and Penfolds Chief Winemaker Peter Gago, who share mutual style and quality ambitions. The palate is balanced, with an overt freshness and a delicate dosage imprint on the finish.
Penfolds Champagnes lean toward a drier profile, showcasing the refined and crisp characteristics emblematic of traditional Champagne.
Blanc de Blanc Champagnes are often lighter and more delicate compared to that of Blanc de Noir which is richer and exudes a more full-bodied flavour profile. Our Blanc de Noir wines originate from pinot noir grapes from the Aÿ (Chambre aux Loups) vineyard region, while our Blanc de Blanc wines are made from chardonnay grapes from the Avize vineyard region. Various factors, including dosage and secondary fermentation, are considered to maintain our style, with variations occurring from vintage to vintage at the discretion of both winemaking teams.
The Champagne wine region is renowned for its unique combination of terroir, climate, and winemaking traditions, which give rise to the world's most celebrated sparkling wines. Its chalky soils, cool climate, and gentle slopes create the perfect conditions for growing the grapes used in Champagne production, notably chardonnay, pinot noir, and pinot meunier. Additionally, the region's strict regulations and centuries-old winemaking techniques, such as the traditional method (also known as méthode champenoise), contribute to the distinctive character and unparalleled quality of Champagne wines.
Penfolds Champagne is best stored horizontally, in a cool, dark environment, avoiding odours, temperature fluctuations, and light exposure, which can affect the wine's quality. Maintaining a cellaring temperature of around 10°C with humidity between 60% and 70% is ideal. Additionally, large-format bottles like magnums may assist in preserving a consistent temperature, ensuring optimal wine quality.
