Henin Delouvin

Henin Delouvin sits on the Quai du Port in Aÿ-Champagne, a few kilometres from Épernay. The estate is run by growers in the fifth generation. Christine Delouvin and Jacky Hénin founded their joint brand in 1990. They put their names together on the label and merged their two vineyards. Their sons Julien and Guillaume now work in the business, Guillaume as oenologist.

Seven villages, three grape varieties

The estate farms 7 hectares. Aÿ and Chouilly are classed as Grands Crus, Dizy, Mareuil-sur-Aÿ and Grauves as Premiers Crus. Cerseuil and Leuvrigny lie in the Marne Valley. Hachette describes Aÿ as the Grand Cru of Pinot Noir and Chouilly as a Grand Cru for white wines. The three grape varieties of Champagne are grown here: Pinot Noir, Meunier and Chardonnay. This spread allows for single-variety champagnes as well as blends.

Methods and cuvées

Since the end of 2018 the house has held HVE Level 3 certification (Haute Valeur Environnementale). It is a récoltant-manipulant and a member of the Vignerons Indépendants. The growers say the bottles age for several years in the cellar. At the end of vinification, they explain, the harvest of the year is blended with reserve wines.

• Brut Grand Cru Chardonnay: a blanc de blancs, intended as an aperitif or to go with seafood and oysters.
• Extra-Brut Premier Cru Pinot Noir: a blanc de noirs which, according to the house, suits a whole meal or lightly cooked white meat.
• Brut Grand Cru Millésime: the house's vintage champagne.
• Extra Brut Aeius: a limited edition made exclusively from reserve wines of different vintages.

The Guide Hachette also praised the Rosé de Saignée, a pure Pinot Noir from the 2010 vintage.

Visiting Aÿ

The house offers cellar tours, and booking is required. It is open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm. For information, call +33 3 26 54 01 81.