Tasting Notes
A powerful and striking Champagne from Olivier Horiot, blending Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc incorporating wine from a solera, adding an extra layer of oxidative character. This has everything I like about Grower Champagne... These wines are so interesting and complex and really deserve more attention. - Pete L
Olivier Horiot is an exciting biodynamic grower based in the Cotes des Bar sub-region of Champagne. He and his wife Marie focus mainly on Pinot Noir but have plantings of all 7 permitted Champagne varieties. The Horiot family have owned vines in Les Riceys since the 1600s, but didn't make their first estate wine until the year 2000. Les Riceys is the only village in the Champagne region to hold 3 appelations, Champagne (sparkling), Coteaux Champenois (still red and white), and Rosé des Riceys (still rosé), and Olivier exceeds in making all three categories.
He believes that experimentation is the best way to learn the intricacies of the Les Riceys terroir, and does so through vinifying small parcels separately, using rare varietals such Arbane and Petit Meslier, fermenting in a wide range of vessels, from Burgundian barrels to concrete eggs and stainless steel, and using reserve wines from a solera system for some of his Champagnes.
The wines are fermented with native yeasts, little sulphur is used, and this entire release has zero dosage. The result is terroir focused still and Champagne wines with tension and complexity. - Importer Note
| Product Type | Wine Sparkling Champagne |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | France |
| Region | Champagne |
| Sub Region | Cote des Bar |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |