The Story
Exemplifying the trademark savoir-faire and exacting standards synonymous with the Champagne House, Cuvée Alain Thiénot is a stunning blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Only crafted in outstanding years, this is exceptional Champagne of great complexity and perfect harmony.
A blend of vintage Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
With its golden appearance and delicate brilliance, it reveals a smoky, roasted bouquet, with toasty notes. On the palate, the Champagne is round and generous and offers flavours of tobacco, developing yellow fruit and tropical notes, indicating a very mature wine of remarkable freshness.
Vintage 2002
A cold winter and a mild late spring cued for a perfect June allowing early and fast flowering. Outstanding weather conditions prevailed and the season went on without dramatic turns. Rains in August raised concerns regarding gray rot, but finally sunshine and dry conditions throughout September resulted in an abundant crop of largely healthy fruit (11,930 kg/ha). Dehydration due to wind further aided in achieving perfect ripeness and additional concentration. This, and the cool nights, helped in retaining fresh acidity and, despite the ripeness (10.3% potential alcohol), the wines did not suffer from heaviness or a lack of life. A near-perfect vintage, which produced balanced Champagnes consistently around the region. The best show an impeccable combination of freshness, power, structure and finesse. However, some have matured aromatically quicker than expected and are already past their peak. 2002 produced an abundance of spectacular champagnes, such as Dom Pérignon (the entire range), Krug Vintage and Clos du Mesnil, Piper-Heidsieck Rare, Louis Roederer Cristal and Cristal Rosé, Ruinart Dom Ruinart and Dom Ruinart Rosé, Salon Le Mesnil and Taittinger Comtes de Champagne, to name a few.
