Thiénot Cuvée Stanislas 2008
The eponymous house of former champagne broker Alain Thiénot
Grape Makeup:
100% Chardonnay
Sweetness Level:
Brut (Extra Brut level: 4g/L)
Ageing on Lees:
12 years
Price:
$$$ (V)
Cellar:
5-10 years
Category:
Celebration
Photos
What
The eponymous house of former champagne broker Alain Thiénot, formed in 1985, and now run by his children Garance and Stanislas.
Where
Reims; 30 hectares of estate vineyards – of which 50% are Grands or Premiers Crus like Aÿ, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, Avize, Dizy, Cumières, Pierry and Damery – supplying more than half the grapes needed for production.
Why
Cuvée Stanislas is part of the Collection Famille, intended as vinous “portraits” of the family members, including the founder Alain, his son and daughter, Stanislas and Garance. Stanislas is chardonnay mainly from estate-owned Grands Crus (90%) in the Côte des Blancs. It spends a remarkable period of time on lees, which, together with the malolactic fermentation, has created a remarkably rich, fondant texture. However, thanks to jetting with CO2, the wine has remained pristine, without marked notes of oxidation despite its evident maturity.
What Else
Thiénot has engaged in a number of collaborations, including with Australian icons Penfolds and contemporary artists like French painter Speedy Graphito and Mexican-Brazilian artist Fefe Talavera.
Tasting Notes
Immediately soft and gourmand, with a sweet, rounded nose like white rabbit milk candy enriched with dried apricots and almonds. The entry is very soft and even oily, continuing the languor of the nose. Through the middle the acidity ramps up and lifts the structure, which deftly avoids becoming cloying, despite a very clear sensation of weight. Though felt mainly on the edges of the palate, the acidity is definitely the engine that keeps this moving along, pushing through to a clean finish with no bitterness or friction.
Try It With
Rich, meaty western Chinese dishes.
When To Drink
After dinner.
Perfect For
The mentor who helped make you the person you are.
TL/DR
Indulgent, soft and gourmand.
Supplier
Continental Wines
