Champagne Romain Henin - Brut Nature - The Sparkling Odyssey - Chapter 2
Located in Aÿ, a Grand Cru classified village in the heart of the Marne Valley, the estate of Romain Hénin is part of a new generation of Champagne winemakers committed to a radical approach to living wine. After significant experiences, notably with Henri Giraud, Romain Hénin took over the family estate in 2013 before profoundly transforming its philosophy. Gradually converted to organic farming and then biodynamic, he pushed his approach to the complete abandonment of inputs, including sulfur, to produce so-called “0-0” champagnes. Since 2021, he has vinified the entire 6 hectares of the estate, asserting a strong and independent identity. The cuvée The Sparkling Odyssey is part of an evolving series, where each edition tells a vintage through an artistic and sensory approach. This Chapter 2 thus sincerely and intensely reflects the unique conditions of the 2023 harvest.
The Sparkling Odyssey - Chapter 2 is mainly made from Meunier and Pinot Noir, complemented by a small proportion of Chardonnay, in a blend designed to express the overall balance of the vintage. The year 2023, marked by continuous rains from late July until the start of the harvest, required an extremely rigorous sorting, mobilizing a large team to keep only the healthiest grapes. The relatively modest maturities led the winemaker to a global blend, ensuring coherence and stability. The vinification is distinguished by an absolute requirement: entirely gravity-driven work, spontaneous fermentations thanks to indigenous yeasts, total absence of fining and filtration. The wine is aged for one year in barrels and casks, bringing structure and complexity without masking the energy of the fruit. True to the estate’s philosophy, no sulfur or additives are used, and the champagne is offered as Brut Nature, without dosage.
On tasting, this cuvée reveals a profile that is both raw, vibrant, and deeply authentic. The nose can express aromas of fresh red fruits, crunchy black fruits, accompanied by slightly spicy nuances and a wild touch characteristic of vinifications without inputs. The palate, straight and energetic, is supported by a lively texture, a fine bubble, and a natural tension from the vintage. The absence of dosage enhances the sensation of purity and sincerity, offering a direct reading of the wine and its year. This champagne is aimed at knowledgeable enthusiasts, sensitive to author wines and the freest expressions of contemporary Champagne. At the table, it will ideally accompany raw and precise dishes such as white meats, fine charcuterie, or natural and minimally interventionist cuisine, echoing its own philosophy.
Grape varieties: predominantly Meunier and Pinot Noir, complemented by Chardonnay
