Champagne Henriot's chardonnay-driven elegant champagnes are some the best – and most legendary – in the Champagne region, but its legacy doesn’t begin or end there. Since 2020, they have changed gears, appointing a new chef de caves, and pushing ahead with an historical commitment. The Alliance Terroirs Project was therefore born and recommits the Maison to the preservation of its terroirs and those of its growers.
What is Henriot’s Alliance Terroirs project?
Initiated by Henriot’s chef de caves, Alice Tétienne in 2020 in collaboration with company president, Gilles de Larouzière Henriot, there are three main parts:
- Acquiring an in-depth understanding of terroirs
- Adapting growing practices in light of new-found knowledge
- Making every possible effort to preserve and uphold the values and reputation of the Champagne region.
The project pays homage to very early-on work undertaken by some of Henriot’s founding family members who were trained as agricultural engineers. Records show that the first soil analysis was undertaken in the 1920s and a soil research project was launched soon after.
Organic Pursuits
Improved growing practices at the Maison have resulted in HVE and VDC certification, though this is just a stepping-stone on the path toward organic conversion. Under the framework of the Alliance Terroirs project, biodiversity and regenerative farming are the focus of Henriot’s organic pursuits to enhance the beauty of its wine and the region.
On the Ground with Growers
A collective approach, involving Henriot’s grower partners, is important, says Alice, who engages
specialists to teach them how to enhance their viticultural practices. “We work with 36 families, I even know the birthdays of their children!” she says, referring to the closeness she now shares with the Maison’s extended family. “We ask our growers to be certified, but we also ask them to do more!”
Into the Future
“Knowledge and adaption is the only way to decrease our impact on the environment and be ready for climate change challenges,” says Alice.
To this end, the Maison continues to experiment with alternative winegrowing methods, decreasing treatments and promoting biodiversity.
“All of our team are extremely engaged. We need to be because when you do organics, there are no tools.”
Read more about Henriot's Alliance Terroirs Project at www.champagne-henriot.com
