The name Hemera is a tribute to the Greek goddess of daylight and represents this Champagne’s lively style and precision, achieved only through winemaking wisdom passed down through the generations and the patient passing of time.
The grapes for Cuvée Hemera 2006 are sourced entirely from the six original Grand Cru parcels that founded the house in the early 19th century, with Pinot Noir sourced from Apolline Henriot’s original 1808 parcels in the northern Montagne de Reims villages of Mailly Champagne, Verzy, and Verzenay; and Chardonnay sourced from the Côte des Blancs villages of Chouilly, Avize, and Mesnil-sur-Oger from parcels acquired by the family in 1880 through marriage of Apolline’s great grandson, Paul Henriot to Marie Marguet of the Côte des Blancs. In blending these six original Grand Crus together for Cuvée Hemera 2006, Maison Henriot aims to honor its founder, heritage, and well-established legacy of producing prestige cuvées with precision and expertise of the terroirs they are proud to be a steward of.
2006 was a solar vintage, both generous and capricious. Indeed, various episodes of hail, frost and rain have marked the particularly hot climate, especially in the summer.
“Henriot Cuvée Hemera 2006 presents a construction loyal to its historical terroirs, made of amplified contrasts and intense demonstration through the year 2006. The foundation brought by Verzy gave the strength. The elegance Verzenay is expressed with class and distinction. The expression of Mailly-Champagne has undoubtedly gave the tone. The generosity of Chouilly was abundant. The glacial profile of Avize became polar, while Le Mesnil-Sur-Oger blinded with its brilliance.
The nose is expressive, textured, round and generous, while showing class and elegance. Precise, structured and definitely present on the palate, lingering on the finish with persistent and fleshy structure. The ensemble is charismatic and noble.” - Alice Tétienne