The family from Lorraine has been living and growing grapes in Champagne since the 1640s. Nicolas Henriot married Apolline Godinot, who already owned a few of the most valuable Pinot Noir vineyards in the Montagne de Reims. They started out together, but the actual establishment of the house was carried out by Apolline alone, as a widow in 1808. The key areas of the house lie in six villages (Verzy, Verzenay, Mailly, Avize, Mesnil-sur-Oger and Choully). When Hemera is made, the best of these are combined in equal proportions. 2006 was all about sunshine. It was a whimsical, yet generous vintage. The nose is appealing, expressive, round, rich and mature. The palate is very precise, with pronounced and lively acidity and long-lasting, juicy, meaty flavours.

• 50% Chardonnay
• 50% Pinot Noir
• 6 grand crus
• at least 9 years of ageing on lees
• dosage < 5 g/l